How much atmospheric pressure is added for every 10 meters (33 feet) a diver descends in the ocean?

The correct answer is one atmosphere, which corresponds to the increase in pressure experienced for every 10 meters (33 feet) of descent in the ocean.

As a diver descends, the pressure increases due to the weight of the water above them. At sea level, the pressure is already at one atmosphere (the atmospheric pressure at the surface). For every additional 10 meters of depth, an additional atmosphere of pressure accumulates. Therefore, at a depth of 10 meters, the total pressure would be two atmospheres — one atmosphere from the water above and one atmosphere from the air pressure at sea level.

This principle is fundamental to understanding diving and is crucial for managing potential issues that arise from increased pressure, such as nitrogen absorption and the risk of decompression sickness. Therefore, knowing that each 10-meter increment adds one atmosphere of pressure helps divers plan their dives safely.