Responses to the underwater distortions of visual stimuli. SMRL Report No. 541.

Results are reported on two aspects of underwater vision, apparent distance and hand-eye coordination. The accuracy of distance estimates underwater varies greatly from underestimation at near distances, to overestimation at far distances. Viewing through turbid water rather than clear water greatly increases the tendency toward overestimation. The ability of subjects to perform motor responses adequately using the distorted stimulation underwater has been measured and shown to vary with the time spent in underwater activities. RESPONSES TO THE UNDERWATER DISTORTIONS OF VISUAL STIMULI