Underwater environment

Environment beneath the surface of water bodies

Snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef

The Earth, showing vast oceanic coverage

Error creating thumbnail:

Clouds over the Atlantic Ocean

Error creating thumbnail:

Diagram of an aquifer

Error creating thumbnail:

Lechuguilla Cave

Error creating thumbnail:

Cave diving

The underwater environment encompasses the physical, chemical, and biological conditions and phenomena that occur beneath the surface of water bodies, including oceans, seas, lakes, rivers, and aquifers. This environment is characterized by unique conditions such as pressure, temperature, light availability, and salinity, which influence the life forms and geological features found there.

Physical characteristics

The underwater environment is defined by several key physical characteristics:

Pressure

Pressure increases with depth due to the weight of the overlying water. This affects the physiology of marine organisms and the design of submersibles and diving suits.

Temperature

Water temperature varies with depth and location. Surface waters are generally warmer due to solar heating, while deeper waters are colder. The thermocline is a layer where temperature changes rapidly with depth.

Light

Light penetration decreases with depth, affecting photosynthesis and the types of organisms that can survive. The photic zone is the upper layer where sunlight is sufficient for photosynthesis.

Salinity

Salinity, the concentration of salts in water, varies between different bodies of water and affects the density and buoyancy of water.

Chemical characteristics

The underwater environment is rich in dissolved gases and minerals. Oxygen, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen are crucial for marine life. The chemical composition of water influences the types of organisms that can thrive.

Biological characteristics

The underwater environment supports a diverse range of life forms, from microscopic plankton to large marine mammals. Ecosystems such as coral reefs, kelp forests, and deep-sea hydrothermal vents are unique to this environment.

Human interaction

Humans interact with the underwater environment through activities such as fishing, underwater diving, and submarine exploration. These activities can impact marine ecosystems and are subject to environmental regulations.

Related pages

• Marine biology
• Oceanography
• Aquatic ecosystem
• Hydrology

Gallery

• 

  Density of ice and water

• Anomalous expansion of water

• 

  Divers exploring underwater

• 

  Tektite I habitat

• 

  Newtsuit atmospheric diving suit

• 

  ROV working on a subsea structure

• 

  Mini-submarine

• 

  Underwater environment

• 

  Underwater environment

• 

  Underwater environment

• 

  Underwater environment

• 

  Underwater environment

• 

  Underwater environment

• Underwater environment

• 

  Underwater environment

• Underwater environment

• 

  Underwater environment

• 

  Underwater environment