Scuba divers breathe underwater by using special equipment, primarily a scuba tank filled with compressed air or other gases.
Breathing underwater is made possible for scuba divers through specialized gear designed to provide a breathable gas supply at appropriate pressure. The most crucial component for breathing submerged, as highlighted by references, is the scuba tank.
Essential Scuba Breathing Equipment
Scuba diving relies on specific equipment to enable divers to breathe below the surface. While a complete setup includes many parts, the primary components mentioned in the reference for breathing are:
- Scuba Tank (Cylinder): This is a high-pressure cylinder that holds the breathing gas. According to the reference, it is "filled with compressed air or other gases depending on the type of diving or your training." This compressed gas is what the diver breathes underwater.
- Compressed Air or Other Gases: The substance inside the tank is the actual breathable medium. For recreational diving, this is typically compressed air (a mix of nitrogen and oxygen). More advanced diving may use different gas mixtures.
The reference also mentions the Snorkel, noting that it "is used on the surface to save some air, before going underwater." This piece of equipment allows a diver to breathe surface air while floating, conserving the gas in the scuba tank until they submerge.
How the Scuba Tank Facilitates Underwater Breathing
The scuba tank contains a significant volume of air or gas compressed to a very high pressure. A device called a regulator (not explicitly detailed in the provided reference but essential for the system) attaches to the tank valve and reduces this high pressure to a level suitable for breathing. This regulated air is then delivered to the diver through a hose to the mouthpiece, allowing them to inhale naturally underwater.
Using this system, divers can stay submerged for extended periods, breathing the compressed gas from their tank as needed for their depth and activity level.
In summary, while equipment like a snorkel is useful at the surface, the ability for scuba divers to breathe underwater directly comes from the supply of compressed air or other gases stored in a scuba tank.
