In the stark white expanse of Antarctica, a peculiar structure resembling a pyramid rises from the Ellsworth Mountain range, piercing through the snow. This oddity has sparked curiosity and debate: Is it a genuine pyramid or merely a mountain?
Unlike the pyramids found in countries famous for their ancient structures like Egypt, Sudan, Mexico, Italy, Iraq, and Peru, pyramids are not a common sight in Antarctica. The earth has hosted numerous civilizations over millions of years, some of which have disappeared due to extinction events, leaving mysteries about their existence.
This pyramid-like formation has fueled various conspiracy theories, suggesting it might be a relic from a long-lost civilization. Nonetheless, the consensus among most experts is that it is simply a mountain shaped coincidentally like a pyramid.
The Ellsworth Mountains, stretching over 400 kilometers, contain numerous peaks that jut out of the snow, with this pyramid-like peak located within the “Heritage Range.” This area is notable for its archaeological richness, with fossils dating back 500 million years having been found there.
Professor Eric Rignot from the University of California, specializing in Earth system science, reinforces the natural origin of this formation, stating to The Brighter Side of News, “This is just a mountain that looks like a pyramid.” He elaborates on the rarity of such shapes, noting that while many peaks have one or two pyramid-like faces, it is uncommon for them to exhibit four.
The pyramid-like appearance of the sides is explained by geologists as the result of erosion over hundreds of millions of years. Dr. Mitch Darcy from the German Research Centre for Geosciences describes the formation as a “nunatak,” which is a peak of rock protruding above a glacier or ice sheet. He clarifies that although it has the shape of a pyramid, this does not imply it was man-made.
Standing at 4,150 feet, this mountain continues to be a source of fascination for both scientists and the general public, drawing attention and intrigue to its mysterious pyramid-like contours.