Do Preferences for Waterscapes Persist in Inclement Weather and Extend to Sub-aquatic Scenes?

Water is often a feature of preferred landscapes. Three experimental studies explored possible boundary conditions and extensions of this finding. Study 1 examined the role of weather and found that landscape preferences were moderated by climatic conditions. While waterscape preferences were significantly higher under clement than inclement conditions, urban/built landscape preferences were unaffected. Studies 2a and 2b explored reactions to sub-aquatic compared to above the waterline views, using colour and monochrome images respectively. In both cases, reactions to sub-aquatic scenes were broadly similar to those of green space. Findings are discussed in terms of possible evolutionary, cultural and personal mechanisms.