The Blowhole Marker

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Wupatki National Monument in Coconino County, Arizona — The American Mountains (Southwest)

The Blowhole

By William Fischer, Jr., November 8, 2010

1. The Blowhole Marker

Inscription.
This blowhole - a crevice in the earth's crust that appears to breathe - is one of several found in the Wupatki area. It connects to an underground passage - size, depth, and complexity unknown - called an earthcrack. Earthcracks resulted from earthquake activity in the Kaibab Limestone bedrock and have enlarged over time.

Archaelogists have yet to uncover any evidence of prehistoric structures or uses at the blowhole. Its connection to the Wupatki Pueblo remains a mystery.

Today, the Hopi, descendants of these early people, refer to the blowhole as the breath of "Yaaponsa," the wind spirit. They and other American Indians attach spiritual significance to these features.

Like other caverns, this passage responds to changes in the barometric pressure outside. The "breathing" effect can be quite dramatic when a blowhole opening is small.

Erected by National Park Service.

Location. 35° 31.37′ N, 111° 22.319′ W. Marker is in Wupatki National Monument, Arizona, in Coconino County. Click for map. The blowhole is adjacent to the Wupatki Pueblo. Marker is in this post office area: Flagstaff AZ 86004, United States of America.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 7 miles of this marker, as the crow flies.

The Blowhole and Marker Photo, Click for full size

By William Fischer, Jr., November 8, 2010

2. The Blowhole and Marker

The Ballcourt (a few steps from this marker); A Gathering Place (about 700 feet away, in a direct line); Wukoki (approx. 2.5 miles away); Nalakihu (approx. 6.3 miles away); Where Were The Fields? (approx. 6.3 miles away); The Citadel / Natural Features (approx. 6.4 miles away); A Village/Abandonment (approx. 6.4 miles away); Community (approx. 6.4 miles away). Click for a list of all markers in Wupatki National Monument.

Also see . . .
1. Wupatki National Monument. (Submitted on April 14, 2011, by William Fischer, Jr. of Fort Scott, Kansas.)
2. Investigations of the Wupatki Blowhole. (Submitted on April 15, 2011, by William Fischer, Jr. of Fort Scott, Kansas.)

Blowhole Effect Illustration on Marker Photo, Click for full size

By National Park Service, undated

3. Blowhole Effect Illustration on Marker

[Caption reads] If the outside air pressure is lower than in the crack system, air is blown out.

By National Park Service, undated

4. Blowhole Effect Illustration on Marker

[Caption reads] When the outside air pressure rises, air is driven into the blowhole.

By William Fischer, Jr., November 8, 2010

5. The Blowhole

Credits. This page originally submitted on April 14, 2011, by William Fischer, Jr. of Fort Scott, Kansas. This page has been viewed 341 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 14, 2011, by William Fischer, Jr. of Fort Scott, Kansas. 3, 4. submitted on April 15, 2011, by William Fischer, Jr. of Fort Scott, Kansas. 5. submitted on April 14, 2011, by William Fischer, Jr. of Fort Scott, Kansas.