Which natural navigation aid is used by divers to understand their position in the water?

Using the position of the sun as a natural navigation aid is essential for divers to orient themselves while underwater. The sun follows a predictable path across the sky, which helps divers determine direction and make informed navigational decisions. For instance, knowing the time of day enables divers to approximate where the sun will be, allowing them to identify cardinal directions like east and west.

Divers can use the shadows created by their bodies or equipment to understand which way they are facing, thus helping them maintain their intended course or safely find their way back to the entry point. This technique does not rely on artificial tools or equipment, and it is a reliable method as long as the sun is visible, helping divers stay aware of their surroundings and avoid potential hazards.

In contrast, while other options like light beams can assist in visibility, and sound waves (used in sonar technology) can help in deeper navigation contexts, they do not provide the straightforward, universal orientation aid that the sun's position does for all divers at varying depths and conditions. Tidal changes also play a role in water conditions but do not directly aid in navigational direction like the sun's position does.