What happens to a diver wearing a wetsuit as they ascend in water?

As a diver ascends in water while wearing a wetsuit, buoyancy will increase. This phenomenon occurs due to the expansion of air in the suit and any trapped air in the wetsuit as pressure decreases with ascending. At greater depths, the pressure of the surrounding water compresses the wetsuit, making it more buoyant as the diver begins to ascend. As pressure decreases, the air within the wetsuit expands, resulting in an increase in overall buoyancy.

Additionally, wetsuits are designed to provide thermal insulation and some buoyancy due to the air trapped in the neoprene material. This effect is particularly noticeable as the diver approaches the surface, where water pressure is significantly lower, and the increased buoyancy can lead to an ascension rate that is faster than intended if not managed properly.

It's crucial for divers to be aware of this change in buoyancy during ascent to avoid rapid ascents, which can lead to decompression sickness. Therefore, understanding the relationship between depth, pressure, and buoyancy is essential for safe diving practices.