How does altitude affect diving?

Altitude significantly impacts diving primarily due to changes in ambient pressure. When divers are at higher altitudes, the atmospheric pressure is lower compared to sea level. This reduced pressure affects the way gases are dissolved in the body's tissues and the behavior of gases while ascending or descending during a dive.

When divers ascend or descend under normal circumstances at sea level, the increase or decrease in pressure is consistent with Boyle's Law, which states that the volume of a gas is inversely related to the pressure applied to it. However, at altitude, this principle is altered because the baseline atmospheric pressure is already lower. Hence, the rate at which pressure changes can affect nitrogen absorption and elimination, which can influence the risk of decompression sickness.

In summary, when diving at altitude, it is crucial to understand how the decreased ambient pressure alters the dynamics of gas exchange, which is why it is essential for divers to adjust their ascent and descent rates accordingly. This knowledge is vital for ensuring safety during dives at high elevations, where traditional models of diving may not directly apply.