Which principle explains why divers experience reduced buoyancy as they descend?

The principle that explains why divers experience reduced buoyancy as they descend is hydrostatic pressure. As a diver goes deeper into the water, the pressure exerted by the overlying water increases. This increased pressure compresses the air in the diver's buoyancy control device and in their wetsuit or drysuit, which results in a decrease in volume. According to Archimedes' principle, buoyancy is affected by the volume of displaced water; as the volume of the gas decreases, the ability to displace water is reduced, leading to decreased buoyancy.

Understanding this principle is crucial for divers as they manage their buoyancy throughout their dive, requiring adjustments to their buoyancy control devices to maintain a safe and stable position in the water column.