Thors Well

Todd Sain Sr.

8 years ago

Source: https://bit.ly/2LmBRTX Photographer: Michel Matton CC License: https://bit.ly/1xMszCg

Thors Well Facts

The absolutely breathtaking geological feature called Thors Well forms an incredible sight to behold. Viewing it can present hazards if care is not taken, however. Local authorities, therefore, routinely issue advisories to those visiting the site.
This wonder of Nature amply demonstrates the fact that the power of Nature must be respected. Rising tides and waves create a spectacular, but dangerous, effect. Water gets drawn in by a massive current, then spouted back out in a powerful fountain effect.
Fortunately for us and our posterity, both the awesome Thors Well and the cape it sits in now form part of Siuslaw National Forest. This situation provides both the site itself, and those who visit it, with a certain measure of mutual protection.
This geological marvel has been given many quite colorful common names since its discovery by relatively modern explorers. These alternate terms even include such colorfully descriptive names as the drainpipe of the Pacific.

Moeraki Boulders Giants Causeway Enchanted Well

Source: https://bit.ly/2uOjopi Photo Credit: John Fowler Creative Commons License: https://bit.ly/1ryPA8o

Thors Well Physical Description

The stunning feature of the work of Nature men call Thors Well does not rely upon sheer size for its fame. This quite beautiful, though admittedly also quite dangerous, depression along the shoreline measures roughly 20 ft (6 m) deep, and about half that in width.

This stunning formation, which often leaves visitors nearly speechless, also bears a remarkably circular shape to its exterior. Although scientists believe they know the origin of the opening, they have no explanation for the nearly perfectly circular shape of it.

The remarkably and impressive opening of Thors Well connects directly to the nearby sea. This opening allows for the influx of water into and out of the hole, making for some truly spectacular fountains of water, especially at high tide or during the frequent storms.

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Photographer: J. Fowler
CCL: https://bit.ly/1ryPA8o

Thors Well Location, Formation, and Hazards

The astonishing geological feature known as Thors Well formed in a part of the world already known for the beauty of its other geological marvels. This awesome structure formed at what man now calls Cape Perpetua, itself a particularly lovely headland.

More precisely, though, this fascinating, if potentially dangerous, wonder sits in the state of Oregon, in the United States of America, in North America. This naturally occurring depression also lies surrounded by a largely pristine section of old-growth forest.

Scientists have several theories about the formation of Thors Well. For the moment, the leading theory for the origins of this unique site propose that wave action first formed a small sea cave, only to have ongoing erosion later cause the roof to collapse inward.

The minor mystery, and major mystique and natural beauty of Thors Well serve to make it a popular tourist draw in the region. Quite unfortunately, many of those tourists approach the site without adequate knowledge of the potential dangers it frequently presents.

During low tide, the formation itself appears to simply be a large but otherwise unassuming depression along the shore. As the tide rises, however, this quickly changes. The rapidly and powerfully rising ocean currents create enormous pressures.

The water is drawn in and spouted out with great force, with the spume reaching great heights. The water then pulls back in with incredible force. Between the slippery conditions and the powerful flow of water, the conditions near Thor’s Well remain very hazardous.