How does a Thermocline affect diving?
A thermocline affects a diver is several ways, the most obvious being the need to wear a thicker wetsuit if you plan on diving below the thermocline. As there could be a drop in temperature by several degrees, you feel colder faster and loose body heat more rapidly. If you are wearing a thinner wetsuit it would be advised to remain under the thermocline for a shorter time span, or stay above it. The second noticeable effect of a thermocline is a sudden increase is water clarity below a thermocline. This often takes new divers by surprise. Caused by the lens effect of the denser colder water, and the fact that algae and plankton, debris and silt, remain in the warmer upper water, leaving the colder denser water most of the time clearer. The thermocline also affects the kind of marine life a Scuba diver would encounter, as the lesser, algae and plankton found in the colder water results in different kinds of fish you would find. As water temperature has an important influence upon Fish w
