How does depth affect visibility while diving?

Depth affects visibility while diving primarily due to the absorption of light and the presence of particulate matter in the water. As divers descend, sunlight diminishes rapidly, with the red spectrum being absorbed first, followed by orange, yellow, and green. This loss of light affects how well divers can see their surroundings.

Additionally, at greater depths, factors such as sediment, plankton, and other particulates can increase, further diminishing water clarity. In many locations, deeper waters can be murkier due to the accumulation of these materials. Therefore, it is common to experience that visibility decreases as one dives deeper, making this understanding crucial for divers to manage expectations and navigation while underwater.