This question assumes the interface between the water and the air is at rest. Think of a bubbler in an aquarium. Would splashing around periodically increase or decrease your survivability? That is, would the increased rate of gas exchange at the air/water interface be greater or less than the increased rate of gas exchange at the air/blood interface?
Double super extra bonus points if you can plot this based on credible data.
Edit: Or alternatively - what if he just breathed out through a tube placed under the water such that his bubbles were recaptured?
Edit 2: I wonder if dehydration due to the salt exposure also played a role in making his situation more survivable. Would dehydration have reduced total air/blood gas exchange in a meaningful way?
This question assumes the interface between the water and the air is at rest. Think of a bubbler in an aquarium. Would splashing around periodically increase or decrease your survivability? That is, would the increased rate of gas exchange at the air/water interface be greater or less than the increased rate of gas exchange at the air/blood interface?
Double super extra bonus points if you can plot this based on credible data.
Edit: Or alternatively - what if he just breathed out through a tube placed under the water such that his bubbles were recaptured?
Edit 2: I wonder if dehydration due to the salt exposure also played a role in making his situation more survivable. Would dehydration have reduced total air/blood gas exchange in a meaningful way?