What does Equivalent Air Depth (EAD) represent?

Equivalent Air Depth (EAD) is a crucial concept in diving with nitrox. It represents the depth at which a nitrox mixture would produce the same partial pressure of nitrogen as that of air at a shallower depth. This is significant because it allows divers to understand the nitrogen loading on their bodies when using different gas mixtures.

By calculating EAD, divers can effectively compare their nitrogen exposure while using nitrox to that of standard air, which is beneficial for planning dives and managing the risks of nitrogen narcosis and decompression sickness. This means that when diving with a nitrox mixture, the EAD enables divers to maintain safe nitrogen levels that are comparable to deeper air dives.

The other options do not accurately describe the significance of EAD. The notion of a maximum depth for nitrox diving, the depth at which nitrox becomes unsafe, or the level of oxygen depletion at a certain depth do not capture EAD's focus on nitrogen exposure comparability.