Question

Henry is standing on a catamaran at an elevation of 10 feet relative to sea level.
His friend Thomas is scuba diving at an elevation of −12.5 feet relative to sea level.
Which friend has greater elevation?
Henry
Thomas
Which friend is farther from sea level?
Henry
Thomas

Answer 1

we consider sea level at 0 feet... Henry at +10 feet while Thomas at -12.5 feet... what do you think?

Answer 2

Here's a little picture:

Because Henry is higher off the ground, he has greater elevation.
However, because Thomas is 12.5 feet from the sea level and Henry is only 10 feet, Thomas is further from sea level.
Did that answer your question?