What is one characteristic of deeper diving that requires attention to air management?

Air consumption increases with depth is a crucial characteristic of deeper diving that demands attention to air management. As divers descend, the ambient pressure increases, which influences how air is consumed. This is primarily due to physiological factors such as increased work of breathing and the impact of higher pressures on lung volume.

With greater depths, divers typically exert themselves more against increased water pressure, leading to a higher metabolic rate and thus requiring more air. This increased air consumption necessitates careful planning and monitoring to ensure that divers have enough breathable gas for the duration of their dive and for safe ascent.

While equipment malfunctioning, reduced visibility, and decreased temperatures may be concerns at greater depths, they do not directly impact air management in the same way as the increase in air consumption does. Therefore, focusing on air consumption as a factor reinforces the need for effective planning and monitoring during deeper dives.