A mysterious structure at the South Pole has been debunked as a natural phenomenon, leaving behind a fascinating tale of geological processes and human curiosity.
In 2016, satellite imagery revealed what appeared to be a pyramid in Antarctica, sparking widespread interest and speculation. However, upon closer inspection, it became clear that the structure was not of extraterrestrial origin.
The ‘pyramid’ is actually one of several peaks in the southern Ellsworth Mountains, part of the Heritage Range named after American aviator Lincoln Ellsworth. From Patriot Hills research base, the pyramid-shaped peak can be seen. It’s easy to see how people might mistake a mountain for a man-made structure.
‘It’s just a mountain that looks like a pyramid,’ explains Eric Rignot, professor of Earth system science at the University of California, Irvine. This sentiment is shared by experts in environmental science, climate science, and geology. Mountains can develop right angles on one or two faces naturally, a phenomenon well-documented in geological studies.
The pyramid-shaped mountain likely formed through freeze-thaw erosion over hundreds of millions of years. Three symmetrical faces eroded at the same rate while the eastern ridge formed independently. This process is similar to that which shaped Alpamayo, Peru, a peak in the Cordilla Blanca mountain range.
Freeze-thaw erosion is a type of physical weathering process that occurs in areas with fluctuating temperatures.
Water seeps into rock crevices, freezes, and expands, causing the rock to break apart.
This cycle repeats, gradually wearing down the surface.
Freeze-thaw erosion is common in regions with cold climates, such as mountains and polar areas.
It can also occur in areas with seasonal temperature fluctuations, like near rivers or lakes.
While the ‘pyramid’ in Antarctica may not be of extraterrestrial origin, other pyramidal peaks can be found around the world. These natural formations are the result of geological processes that have shaped our planet over millions of years.
Pyramidal peaks are a unique geological formation characterized by their triangular shape, typically formed through glacial erosion.
These formations can be found in mountainous regions worldwide, including the European Alps and the Rocky Mountains.
The pyramidal peak's distinctive shape is created when glaciers carve out valleys and leave behind steep-sided ridges.
This process can take thousands of years to form a single peak.
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‘Alpamayo, Peru: This nearly 20,000-foot peak presents a unique angular glacial horn that closely mimics the pyramidal shape of Giza’s ancient wonders.’
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Pyramid Mountain, British Columbia, Canada: This peak developed its pyramid-like sides through natural processes similar to those of the unnamed mountain in Antarctica. Its formation is attributed to volcanic eruptions contacting ice sheets, forming a subglacial mound.
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Pyrin Mountain, Bulgaria: This mountain range is home to some of Europe’s southernmost glaciers, which lends to similar freeze-thaw erosion.
- howstuffworks.com | The Pyramid in Antarctica Isnt Actually a Pyramid
