What is one common hazard of cavern diving?

Entrapment or loss of direction is a significant hazard associated with cavern diving due to the complex and confined nature of underwater cave systems. Divers can encounter narrow passages, sharp turns, and areas where visibility may be severely reduced, which can lead to disorientation. This loss of direction is particularly troubling in environments where natural light is limited, and familiar reference points are absent.

Additionally, if a diver becomes entrapped, whether by getting stuck in a tight space or encountering debris, it can lead to dangerous situations that require immediate action to prevent panic or oxygen exhaustion. Consequently, understanding and managing the risk of entrapment or directional loss is crucial for maintaining safety during cavern dives.

The other options present various hazards, but they are either less directly related to the unique challenges of cavern diving or more situational. For example, unpredictable weather affects outdoor conditions rather than the underwater environment, and loss of oxygen at the surface is not typically a concern when properly managing a dive. Similarly, while congestion can pose challenges, divers often plan for group size, making this a less critical concern than the risk of entrapment or disorientation within the cave itself.