Antarctica is a land of extremes, holding mysteries that continue to intrigue scientists and the public alike.
Among its many wonders lies a mountain with an unusual shape resembling a pyramid.
This striking formation, found in the Ellsworth Range near Patriot Hills, has sparked curiosity and fueled various theories.
While some see it as evidence of ancient civilizations or alien activity, researchers agree that its origins are entirely natural, writes WPTech.
The mountain, standing 1,265 meters tall, remains unnamed. It was first discovered during a 1935 flight by American aviator Lincoln Ellsworth, who was exploring the Antarctic landscape.
Since then, the region has proven to be a treasure trove of geological and paleontological insights.
Fossils of trilobites and other ancient organisms have been uncovered here, dating back around 500 million years.
The pyramid-like shape of the mountain is a result of millions of years of erosion. Scientists explain that frost erosion plays a significant role in such formations.
During the day, water and snow fill tiny cracks in the rock. At night, these freeze and expand, causing the rock to break apart over time.
Repeated cycles of freezing and thawing gradually shape the mountain’s steep, symmetrical sides.
Not all sides of the mountain eroded at the same rate. While three sides weathered uniformly, the eastern side formed differently, giving the mountain its distinct shape.
Similar processes can be observed in other famous peaks, such as the Matterhorn in the Alps, which also displays a pyramidal structure.
The mountain gained attention in 2016 when conspiracy theories about its origins surfaced online.
Some claimed it was evidence of an ancient civilization or extraterrestrial design.
Others speculated about hidden doors leading to secret chambers. However, scientists quickly dismissed these ideas.
Eric Rignot, a professor at the University of California, Irvine, explained that while pyramid-shaped mountains are rare, they can form naturally under the right conditions.
The Antarctic formation is simply an extraordinary product of geological processes, offering a glimpse into the planet’s dynamic history.
