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Water is not 100% transparent. And if we are talking about a river or the sea, it contains much more substances and particles than pure water. So, light suffers reflection and refraction when entering the water. So, after some meters under water, light cannot continue propagating. We need air in front of our iris to be able to focus. Our eyes werent designed to see underwater or there would be a clear membrane over the iris to be able to percieve depth underwater. Without either of these, you are only able to see a unfocused image. We need goggles or a mask to fix this.
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DevinDue to the inherent visibility and charisma of our fellow land-dwelling animals, it is often easy to forget that vertebrate life, and therefore the vertebrate eye, originally evolved in the water. Indeed, even those organisms that migrated to dry land found ways to keep their eyes bathed in salt water. So, as the ocean is the birthplace of the eye, it is useful to examine the intricate adaptations needed to see in a watery world. As anyone who has gone scuba diving or swam in a lake with eyes open knows - there is not as much light underwater. Not only does water absorb light incredibly faster than air, but also scatters it in the three dimensions. Thus, the remarkable vertebrate eye evolved in a rather darkened realm where pressures changes significantly as animals move up and down. Fish eyes are quite basic in that they have a fixed iris and so adjust to different light levels in a different way from ours. However, the fish has a sensory line down each side which is very sensitive to sound and movement and augments awareness; a godsend at depths where there is little to no light at all.
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How do diving bells work and enable divers to explore the underwater world safely?
Diving bells work by trapping air inside a chamber, allowing divers to breathe and maintain pressure as they descend underwater. This air supply enables divers to explore the underwater world safely by providing a controlled environment for them to breathe and communicate while underwater.
What type of pressure do humans breathe with?
Humans breathe with atmospheric pressure, which is the pressure exerted by the weight of the Earth's atmosphere. This pressure allows air to flow into our lungs during inhalation and out during exhalation.
Why is it hard for humans to hear underwater?
Humans hear through sound waves traveling through air, water is denser than air making it more difficult for sound waves to travel efficiently. This causes sounds to become muffled and distorted underwater, making it harder for humans to hear clearly. Additionally, the ears are not optimized for hearing underwater as they are designed to work in air.
How does a diving bell work and what is its primary function in underwater exploration?
A diving bell is a chamber that traps air, allowing divers to breathe and work underwater. It is lowered from a ship and creates an air pocket for divers to enter and exit. The primary function of a diving bell in underwater exploration is to provide a safe environment for divers to work at greater depths for longer periods of time.
What is sonar commcation?
Sonar communication is a method of communication that uses sound waves underwater. Marine animals such as dolphins and whales use sonar to communicate with each other and navigate their surroundings. Sonar technology is also used by humans for underwater navigation, detecting objects, and communication in underwater environments.
