What is the primary method through which a diver loses body heat?

The primary method through which a diver loses body heat while underwater is conduction. This occurs because water, particularly at depths, tends to be a much more effective conductor of heat than air. When a diver is submerged in water, their body heat is transferred away from them through direct contact with the water molecules. Because water has a higher heat capacity than air, it can absorb heat quickly, leading to greater heat loss for the diver.

In contrast, convection involves the movement of water, where warm water near the diver moves away and is replaced by cooler water, but it is less significant than direct contact in the context of heat loss. Radiation and evaporation also play roles in heat loss, but they are not the primary methods under water since water inhibits heat loss through radiation and evaporation does not occur effectively in the aquatic environment due to the surrounding medium.