How does water pressure affect lung volume at depth?

Water pressure has a significant impact on lung volume when diving. As a diver descends, the ambient water pressure increases, which compresses the air in the lungs following Boyle’s Law. This physical principle states that the volume of a gas decreases as pressure increases, assuming temperature remains constant.

At greater depths, the increased pressure compresses the air within the lungs, reducing lung volume. This reduction can lead to an increased risk of lung barotrauma, which occurs when the pressure changes affect the air spaces in the lungs, potentially causing injuries such as ruptured alveoli. Divers need to be aware of this effect to manage their breathing and equalize pressure accordingly, particularly when ascending to prevent further complications.

Understanding the relationship between water pressure and lung volume is crucial for safe diving practices, as it helps divers mitigate risks associated with pressure changes while underwater.