What is a primary difference between sump diving and cave diving?

The primary distinction between sump diving and cave diving lies in the nature of the dives themselves. Sump diving refers specifically to navigating underwater environments in flooded areas, such as a section of a cave where the water is present in a sump. This type of diving is entirely underwater and involves exploring submerged passages. In contrast, cave diving encompasses a broader range of activities that include both submerged and dry passages. Cave divers frequently encounter sections of the cave system that are above water where they can travel without being submerged, making the exploration of both dry and wet environments part of the cave diving experience. Thus, recognizing that cave diving includes underwater travel while also having the potential for exploration in dry areas underscores the key difference.