How does the pressure of water change with depth?

The correct answer indicates that pressure increases with depth due to the weight of the overlying water. As you descend into a body of water, the weight of the water above exerts greater pressure on the water below. This phenomenon occurs because water is a fluid, and its weight accumulates with increasing depth. The pressure experienced at a certain depth is the result of the weight of all the water column above that point, which consistently adds to the total pressure exerted.

This principle is governed by hydrostatic pressure, which can be mathematically expressed by the equation: pressure = depth x density of the fluid x gravitational acceleration. As depth increases, both the density of the water and the gravitational force (approximated at the Earth's surface) remain constant, leading to a direct increase in pressure.

Understanding this concept is crucial in oceanography and acoustic studies, as pressure affects sound propagation in water, the behavior of aquatic organisms, and various oceanographic measurements.