What effect does water pressure have on a diver as they descend?

As a diver descends, the pressure of the surrounding water increases significantly due to the weight of the water above them. This pressure is a function of the depth: for every 10 meters of seawater, the pressure increases by approximately one atmosphere (14.7 psi). This means that as divers go deeper, they experience greater pressure exerted on their bodies, which can have various physiological effects.

One notable effect of increased water pressure is its influence on the volume of air within the diver's lungs. According to Boyle's Law, as the pressure surrounding a gas increases, its volume decreases if the temperature remains constant. Therefore, as divers descend, the volume of the air in their lungs decreases because of the increasing water pressure. This principle is critical for safe diving practices, including equalization techniques to prevent issues such as barotrauma.

Understanding the concept of increased water pressure helps divers prepare for their dives, manage their breathing, and avoid complications associated with rapid depth changes.