A mountain in Antarctica, hidden beneath layers of snow, has captured imaginations worldwide due to its uncanny resemblance to an ancient Egyptian pyramid. However, this natural marvel owes its unique shape to erosion rather than human or alien intervention.
A Natural Pyramid Among Antarctic Peaks
The unnamed mountain, standing about 4,150 feet tall, lies in the southern Ellsworth Mountains. Its striking pyramid-like form first gained attention in 2016 when images went viral online. Located near the Patriot Hills, where climate scientists often work, this mountain has likely been known to researchers for years, according to Mauri Pelto, an environmental science professor at Nichols College.
Discovered during a 1935 flight by American aviator Lincoln Ellsworth, the Ellsworth Mountains are home to jagged peaks and ancient geological history. This region contains fossils of Cambrian-era creatures dating back over 500 million years, adding to its allure.
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How Nature Shaped the Pyramid
Scientists attribute the mountain’s unique form to freeze-thaw erosion, a natural process where water enters rock cracks during the day, freezes at night, and expands. Over millions of years, this process widened cracks and broke off large rock sections, sculpting the mountain into its current shape.
While three sides eroded uniformly, the fourth side — the eastern ridge — developed separately. This process has also shaped other pyramidal peaks, like the Matterhorn in the Swiss Alps, said Pelto.
Debunking Conspiracy Theories
The mountain's striking appearance has fueled conspiracy theories about ancient civilizations or extraterrestrial influence. However, experts, including Eric Rignot, an Earth system science professor at the University of California, Irvine, dismiss such claims. "Pyramid shapes are not unusual; many peaks resemble pyramids," Rignot explained.
Ultimately, this Antarctic wonder remains a testament to the power of nature and the intrigue of our planet’s hidden corners.
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