Bitcoin’s liquidity gap above $72,000 could pave the way for a rapid move toward $80,000.

Bitcoin’s so-called “air pocket” is back in focus as the largest cryptocurrency approached the $72,000 level on Wednesday, raising the possibility of a rapid move higher if the price breaks through that threshold.

The term refers to a thin band of supply between $72,000 and $80,000 where relatively few bitcoins last changed hands, according to on-chain data from Glassnode. Because limited trading activity occurred in that range, there are fewer holders with positions there who might be inclined to sell.

Data shows that only about 1% of bitcoin’s circulating supply sits within this price zone. With so little supply concentrated there, the market could face minimal resistance if prices move firmly above $72,000, potentially allowing bitcoin to climb toward $80,000 at a faster pace.

Historically, bitcoin has spent very little time trading between $72,000 and $80,000. One example came in November 2024, when prices surged following Donald Trump’s U.S. presidential election victory, quickly pushing through the range without building significant trading volume.

Another instance occurred earlier this year when bitcoin dropped from around $80,000 to $70,000 at the end of January before falling further to roughly $60,000 by Feb. 6 — a move that unfolded over just a few days.

These supply dynamics can be seen in Glassnode’s Realized Price Distribution (URPD) metric, which tracks the price levels where existing coins last moved on-chain. By mapping where current holders acquired their bitcoin, the indicator highlights areas of concentrated supply — and, in this case, a notable gap between $72,000 and $80,000.