ScubaZone No. 59

How cold is it? From my oceanography studies, I learned that, due to the shape of the sills and basin, and the circulation of currents, the surface water in the Mediterranean never drops below 13°C (except in areas subject to icy winds). 13°C isn't really cold... tell that to those who explore the icy, dark depths of lakes, to those who plan diving vacations in Norway, Iceland, or Canada. Tell that to those who dig a hole in the frozen surface of a mountain lake to enjoy the Gothic cathedral-like illumination beneath the ice...

Water solidifies below 0°C, salt water in the oceans at -3 or -4°C. This means, however, that the minimum temperature at which we can dive is fixed, established by chemistry. This is in no way to diminish the value of those who dive at 0°C or thereabouts... kudos to them.