In cavern diving, what is the purpose of using slow movements?

In cavern diving, using slow movements is primarily aimed at minimizing silt disturbances. When divers move quickly or carelessly, they can disturb sediment and silt on the bottom of the cavern, which can reduce visibility significantly. This is particularly critical in confined environments like caverns, where poor visibility can pose safety risks or lead to disorientation.

By moving slowly and deliberately, divers can maintain better control over their surroundings and avoid causing unnecessary sediment to rise. This practice not only helps in keeping visibility clear for the divers but also preserves the ecological integrity of the cavern's environment. Maintaining minimal disturbance is essential for safety and effective navigation within these unique underwater systems.

The other options, such as making the dive take longer or increasing air consumption, do not directly relate to the primary goal of enhancing safety and reducing visibility issues associated with silt. Attracting aquatic life is also not a primary consideration in cavern environments, as the conditions there are usually not conducive to attracting fish or other wildlife in the way that open water dives might be.