What process involves the controlled release of pressure during ascent from a scuba dive?

Decompression is the process that involves the controlled release of pressure during ascent from a scuba dive. When divers ascend, the pressure around them decreases, which can lead to the formation of nitrogen bubbles in the body if the ascent is too rapid. Decompression allows for a gradual ascent, enabling the body to off-gas excess nitrogen safely and avoid the risks associated with decompression sickness, commonly known as "the bends."

During a dive, divers breathe in air that is under higher pressure. As they ascend, they need to allow their bodies time to adjust to the decreasing pressure to avoid complications. Following a controlled ascent rate, during which divers often stop at various depths (decompression stops), helps facilitate the elimination of nitrogen from the tissues evenly and safely. This practice is fundamental to safe diving, ensuring that divers minimize the risks associated with pressure changes.

The other concepts, such as descent, ventilation, and recompression, do not pertain to the process of controlled pressure release during ascent. Descent refers to going deeper underwater, ventilation involves the act of breathing in and out, and recompression typically refers to a treatment for decompression sickness that involves increasing ambient pressure, which is not relevant during the ascent phase.