The pyramid-shaped peaks of Mount Ellsworth in Antarctica have captivated both scientists and conspiracy theorists, with some suggesting they might be artificial structures akin to the pyramids of Egypt. This fascination peaked in 2016, leading to numerous internet theories involving lost civilizations and extraterrestrial involvement. However, researchers confirm that the mountain is a natural formation shaped by millions of years of erosion, particularly through a process called freeze-thaw weathering, which creates the sharp angles and symmetry of the peak.
Though the mountain, part of the Ellsworth range discovered in 1935, gained notoriety online only recently, it had been studied by scientists for decades, especially due to its proximity to research stations like Patriot Hills. While many mountains exhibit pyramid-like shapes, the perfect symmetry of this peak is a rare geological anomaly.
Experts, including Eric Rignot of the University of California, Irvine, emphasize that while the Antarctic pyramids resemble human-made structures, they are purely natural formations. Such optical phenomena have historically sparked speculation about ancient civilizations, yet Mount Ellsworth serves as a reminder of nature’s complex shaping of the landscape.
The region’s significance extends beyond the pyramids, harboring 500 million-year-old fossils that offer insights into Earth’s history. Ongoing studies of Antarctica’s glaciers and subglacial lakes may also hold clues to past climates and the potential for life on other planets, underscoring the area’s scientific importance amidst ongoing myths and curiosity.
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