Wupatki National Monument in Coconino County, Arizona — The American Mountains (Southwest)
The Blowhole
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., November 8, 2010
1. The Blowhole Marker
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.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Anthropology & Archaeology • Environment • Native Americans.
Location. 35° 31.37′ N, 111° 22.319′ W. Marker is in Wupatki National Monument, Arizona, in Coconino County. The blowhole is adjacent to the Wupatki Pueblo. Touch for map
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 7 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. The Ballcourt (a few steps from this marker); A Gathering Place (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); Wukoki (approx. 2˝ 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). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Wupatki National Monument.
Also see . . .
1. Wupatki National Monument. (Submitted on April 14, 2011, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
2. Investigations of the Wupatki Blowhole. (Submitted on April 15, 2011, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
Additional commentary.
1. I'm stunned
I'm more than a bit surprised that this hasn't been checked out here and there with ground penetrating radar, This finding is HUGE, in both senses of the term. But it seems to be largely ignored. That just seems a bit off. Even though some is in the park, many of these locations shown are not. Are geo scientists are just sleeping through it all? Note To Editor only visible by Contributor and editor
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., November 8, 2010
2. The Blowhole and Marker
— Submitted February 15, 2023, by David Sexton of Golden Valley, Arizona.
Photographed 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.
Photographed 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.
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., November 8, 2010
5. The Blowhole
Credits. This page was last revised on February 17, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 14, 2011, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 1,624 times since then and 92 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 14, 2011, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. 3, 4. submitted on April 15, 2011, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. 5. submitted on April 14, 2011, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.
