Scuba & Nitrox Glossary: K
Nitrox and breathing-gas terminology is prioritized first. General scuba terms follow below. Definitions are educational summaries and do not replace formal training, manufacturer instructions, or an operational dive plan.
Nitrox & Gas Terms — K
- K-Value
- A coefficient used in some gas-flow or engineering calculations; its exact meaning depends on the equipment and formula.
- Known Gas
- A gas of verified composition used for analyzer calibration or comparison.
- K-Bottle Oxygen
- A common large compressed-gas cylinder used for oxygen storage.
- Kinetic Heating
- Heat generated by rapid gas movement or compression during filling.
- Known-Blend Check
- Comparing an analyzer reading against a verified gas mixture.
- Kilopascal
- A metric pressure unit sometimes used in gas calculations and equipment specifications.
- Knob Position Verification
- Confirming the intended valve is open or closed before a gas switch or fill.
General Scuba Terms — K
- K-Valve
- A common scuba cylinder valve without a mechanical reserve.
- Kelvin
- An absolute temperature scale used in gas-law calculations.
- Knot
- One nautical mile per hour, commonly used for boat speed and current.
- Knife
- A cutting tool carried to address entanglement; many divers carry more than one type.
- Keel Clearance
- The distance between a vessel's keel and the bottom, relevant to diver operations.
- Kelp Holdfast
- The root-like structure anchoring kelp to the substrate.
- Kelp Wrap
- Entanglement of kelp around a diver or equipment.
- Kick Cycle
- One complete movement pattern used to evaluate finning rate and efficiency.
- Kitting Up
- Assembling and donning dive equipment before entry.