Why is monitoring atmospheric pressure important for divers?

Monitoring atmospheric pressure is crucial for divers primarily because changes in pressure directly affect the behavior of gases in the body, specifically nitrogen and oxygen. As divers descend, the surrounding pressure increases, leading to a higher partial pressure of nitrogen, which can result in nitrogen narcosis — a condition that can impair judgment and motor function. This is particularly relevant at depths where the pressure is significantly greater than at the surface.

By being aware of atmospheric pressure, divers can manage their ascent and descent rates to prevent these risks. If divers ascend too quickly, it can lead to decompression sickness (DCS), as nitrogen bubbles form in the body due to a sudden decrease in pressure. Thus, understanding and monitoring pressure allows divers to take appropriate precautions to minimize risks associated with nitrogen and to conduct decompression stops as necessary to safely manage the gases in their bodies.