Page 9: Wupatki Indian Ruins (04/19/2003)

After visiting the Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument, we headed northeast another 15 miles North to the Wupatki National Monument. During this drive we went from the more luscious volcanic region of Arizona, to more a arid Painted Desert Region and the line between the two areas was rather noticeable. The Wupatki National Monument preserves the remains of an ancient Wupatki-Pueblo Indian City. At its height, this civilization contained an estimated population of 1,700 people who farmed, hunted, gathered together in an meeting circle, and played sports in a built arena. Remains pictured below were as tall as three stories tall, and housed many residents. Another interesting feature: the blowhole, which either blows wind into or out of the hole based on pressure changes. The tribe may have settle here because of the religious beliefs surrounding this strange geological feature located at this point. Scientists still do not know the origin of this cave system, and other blowholes are located in the area, but not have not been proved to be linked to this blowhole.

Paul J. Lossner

Stark Climate Line

Wupatki Indian Ruins

The Sporting Arena

The Blowhole

This Blowhole was the most interesting feature of this Monument to me. The sign states this blowhole either blows wind out of the hole or sucks wind into the hole based on pressure changes cause by variances in temperatures. When lighter, warm air is over this hole and cold air is located over the other end of the cave system: the wind would blow out because cold area on the other end is heavier and the weight would force it out on this end. At other times the reverse would occur, the cold heavier air over this hole would suck air into this hole and blow it out towards the lighter warmer air at the other end. Research has been conducted and they have not been able to find the other end of this blowhole, even though others are have been located in the local area. The other end of this cave may be on the other end of the world. The Wupatki-Pueblo Indian tribe may have settled here because of the religious beliefs surrounding this strange geological feature located at this point.

NOTE: All Pictures Taken using a Nikon Coolpix 800 Digital Camera by Paul Lossner or Bill Caskey

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