Because of the pressure underwater would we be able to breath with a giant snorkel?

Question

Because of the pressure underwater would we be able to breath with a giant snorkel?

Answer 1

Just to add to Robert M's answer, the other problem with "long" snorkels is that they increase "dead space" and you end up breathing in a lot of what you just breathed out - so that you get a CO2 build up.

However, it could be argued that the old surface supplied hand pump divers were snorkelling.

Answer 2

Not deeper than about 18 inches you would not.

That is why snorkels are the length that they are. Beyond that pressure differential the diaphragm (the muscle beneath your lungs that flexes in order for you to breathe in) would not be strong enough to draw the air into your lungs.

It has been tried in years gone by and those trying it are rarely around to tell the tale.

Answer 3

No