Antarctic Pyramid Not Real, Geologists Say

No time to read?
Get a summary

Geologists from a major American university have weighed in on a long-running rumor about a pyramid visible in Antarctica. Their assessment is clear: there is no man-made pyramid in the Antarctic mountains. What some observers described as a pyramid-shaped peak is simply a natural mountain that happens to resemble a pyramid from certain angles. The report has circulated widely in science news outlets, including Live Science, and has sparked curiosity about the geological history of the continent.

In previous years, satellite imagery drew attention to several pyramid-like formations within the Ellsworth Mountain range. These shapes sparked speculation about ancient engineering or unusual geological processes at work beneath the ice. Yet experts point out that such features can emerge from common processes that shape mountains over time, especially in regions subjected to persistent erosion and repeated cycles of freezing and thawing.

The mountain in question, first documented in the mid-20th century, is understood to be one of the many peaks that form the Ellsworth range. Investigations into its morphology reveal that erosion plays a central role in its appearance. When ice melts during warmer periods, water fills the small cracks and crevices that dot the rock. As temperatures drop and water refreezes, the cracks widen little by little. Over millions of years, these cycles gradually sculpt the rock into sharper, more angular facets that can resemble a pyramid from certain vantage points. This natural sculpting is a common feature of rugged alpine terrains and does not imply any intentional construction or artificial origin.

Experts emphasize that while some mountains do display near-perfect four-sided profiles, such shapes are not rare but are uncommon enough to capture attention. The team notes that a three-sided or four-sided appearance can result from the interplay between rock type, structural forces, and erosion patterns. The conclusion remains consistent: The formation is an ordinary mountain whose geometry has been exaggerated by perspective and the flattening effect of ice cover in aerial images. The fascination with pyramidal-looking peaks continues to highlight the need for careful interpretation of remote sensing data and the importance of ground verification in paleogeography and alpine geology.

Beyond the Antarctica discussion, there have been other historical notes about discoveries in Ireland, where researchers have described well-preserved remains from the Iron Age. These discoveries provide a reminder that over long time scales, the landscape holds many secrets, and careful study can separate remarkable appearance from scientific reality. The ongoing dialogue about Antarctica underscores how modern imaging techniques can both illuminate and mislead, reinforcing the value of corroborating remotely sensed clues with field observations and expert analysis. In the end, scientific understanding advances through measured scrutiny, not through sensational interpretation. The Antarctic pyramid story serves as a case study in how natural processes can produce striking silhouettes that invite curiosity, while the evidence supports a natural, geological explanation rather than artificial origin.

No time to read?
Get a summary
Previous Article

Volodin Shapes Russia's Parliamentary Diplomacy Toward the East and South

Next Article

Ancient Moroccan Footprints Reveal Early Human Mobility Across Coastal Landscapes