A striking peak in Antarctica that looks like a man-made pyramid has captured much attention lately because of its symmetry and strange shape. Situated in the southern Ellsworth Mountains, this natural formation rises 4,150 feet (1,265 meters) and features four steep, symmetrical faces that resemble ancient Egyptian pyramids.
The Shape of the Mountain: A peak became globally famous in 2016 following the online appearance of pictures about the structure. Its shape-appearing near perfect-is now considered to have been made possibly by the involvement of early humanity or even from outer space, and the mountain was a matter for debate and question.
Natural Erosion and Geological Explanation: Amid a sea of conspiracy theories, researchers have posited that the pyramid-shape might very well be attributed to millions of years of processes of natural erosion. “The distinctive shape of the mountain peak could very well be ascribed to the freeze-thaw process, the process in which water infiltrates rock crevices during the day and at night freezes expanding and dislodging chunks of rock.”. Mauri Pelto, a professor of environmental science at Nichols College, told Live Science that the repeated freeze-thaw process over time would have shaped the peak into its current form. The three sides of the mountain are evenly eroded, while the fourth, the eastern ridge, formed independently.
Debunking conspiracy theories: Because of the odd shape of this formation, various theories emerged as it was believed that it could have been created by ancient civilizations or even extraterrestrial beings. Many of these circulated on social media and among conspiracy theorists, but experts dismiss all such speculations. Eric Rignot, a professor of Earth system science at the University of California, Irvine, and a senior research scientist at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, said that pyramid-like formations are not rare in nature. While fully symmetrical peaks are rare, many mountains display steep faces that can create similar shapes. Rignot’s analysis points to the natural formation of such structures, without the need for supernatural or ancient intervention.
This pyramid-shaped peak in Antarctica captured the imagination of so many; yet, through the explanation provided by scientists, the formation is simply natural. This natural formation that strikes the mind over millions of years through different processes of erosion negates all extraterrestrial and ancient human involvements. Despite all this, it remains one of the peaks fascinatingly constructed by nature as it can be so wonder-struck in order to inspire awe.