A record of changes in depth throughout a single dive is called a dive profile.

The four illustrations below show different dive profiles along with the corresponding nitrogen loading in the body.

Although the maximum depth and total dive time are identical for all four dives, traditional dive tables treat them as equivalent profiles because they are based primarily on maximum depth and bottom time.

However, in reality, the pattern of depth changes significantly affects nitrogen absorption and release. As a result, each dive profile leads to a different level of nitrogen accumulation.

Understanding these differences is essential for safe multilevel diving and for effectively using a dive computer.