1. Home
  2. / Curiosities
  3. / Mysterious pyramid found beneath Antarctic ice! Stunning discovery raises questions about the icy continent's past
reading time 4 min read Comments 0 comments

Mysterious pyramid found beneath Antarctic ice! Stunning discovery raises questions about the icy continent's past

Published 07/11/2024 às 16:52
Antarctica, Pyramid
Photo: Reproduction

Amid the white landscapes of Antarctica, a mysterious pyramid-shaped structure emerges, intriguing scientists and arousing global curiosity

Amidst the icy vastness of Antarctica, a mysterious structure has sparked curiosity and fueled conspiracy theories on a global scale. It is a pyramid-shaped formation located in the Ellsworth Range, which has been the subject of debate.

Despite its intriguing appearance, experts point out that not everything is as it seems. Below, we reveal what is known so far about this peculiar formation.

The origin of the pyramids and the fascination with the unknown

When we think of pyramids, the ancient civilizations of Egypt, Mexico, Peru and even Italy come to mind. These constructions are testaments to human ingenuity and carry mysteries and deep meanings.

Thus, the discovery of a formation with pyramidal features in Antarctica brought with it doubts. Could it be possible that an ancient civilization reached these icy lands and built monuments there?

The formation of the Antarctic “pyramid”

Antarctica, Pyramid
Google Earth images showing an aerial view of the intriguing formation have fueled speculation. (CREDIT: Google Earth)

With the help of Google Earth, aerial images of the formation in Ellsworth Range were released, leading internet users to speculate about the possibility of a construction made by human beings or even extraterrestrials.

However, geologists and scientists quickly came up with more plausible and scientific answers to the specifics.

Professor Eric Rignot of the University of California believes that the formation is nothing more than a mountain with a peculiar shape. Rignot explained that “pyramidal shapes are not natural and occur naturally in rock formations, especially in mountainous regions”.

The geological perspective

The most widely accepted theory among geologists is that the pyramidal shape is the result of erosion, caused by millions of years of natural processes. Mitch Darcy, from the German Research Center for Geosciences, explained that the formation is located in the Ellsworth Mountains, an extensive mountain range.

According to him, “the formation's resemblance to a pyramid is purely coincidental, being just a matter of how the rocky peaks rise above the ice."

Nunataks: a common phenomenon in glacial regions

The formation, evolution as a “nunatak”, is a term that refers to the rock peaks that emerge above the ice, common in glaciated areas.

Many nunataks can be shaped like pointy rocks, depending on the way the ice surrounds them and moves around them. Therefore, the “pyramid” Antarctica, as intriguing as it may be, is considered a natural formation.

Features of the Ellsworth Mountains

The Ellsworth Range is the highest in Antarctica, about 360 kilometers long. It is divided into two sub-ranges:

  1. Sentinel saw: Home to the highest peaks, including Mount Vinson, which reaches 4.892 meters and is the highest point on the continent.
  2. Equity range: Characterized by increasingly lower peaks and diverse geological formations, which reveal details about the tectonic and sedimentary history of the region.

Studies indicate that the Ellsworth Mountains were formed around 150 million years ago and are composed mainly of sedimentary and metamorphic rocks.

Geological analyses indicate that this mountain range was once part of a larger continent, before separating and migrating to the extreme south, forming the current landmass of Antarctica.

Antarctica, Pyramid
The range is complex, consisting of scattered ridges and peaks of moderate height, escarpments, hills and nunataks, with several relief units highlighted by numerous intervening glaciers. (CREDIT: Wikipedia)

Climate and environmental challenges

The climate in the Ellsworth Mountains is one of the harshest on the planet. With temperatures that can drop below -50°C, intense winds and long periods of darkness during the winter, the area offers extreme conditions for research and exploration.

In summer, the scenario is reversed, with continuous sunlight and slightly milder temperatures, making the work of researchers and climbers easier.

Exploration and research in the region

The Ellsworth Mountains attract the interest of scientists and adventurers alike. Areas of study include:

  • Glaciology: Research into ice composition and past climate change, proven through ice core samples.
  • Geology: Rock formations provide clues about ancient tectonic processes, contributing to our understanding of Antarctica's geological history.

For mountaineers, reaching the summit of Mount Vinson is a special feat. Expeditions take place during the Antarctic summer (November to January), when conditions are less severe but still allow for specialized skills and equipment.

Curiosity and conspiracy

Despite scientific evidence, human fascination with the unknown keeps curiosity about the Antarctic “pyramid” alive.

As Mauri Pelto, a professor of environmental science at Nichols College, put it, “At least they’re thinking about something.” He hopes that through this curiosity, more people can learn about the planet and its features. natural.

The Antarctic “pyramid” is probably nothing more than a geological accident. It remains, however, a symbol of the natural wonders of our planet and the constant human search for answers.

Be the first to react!
React to article
Register
Notify
guest
0 Comments
Older
Last Most voted
Feedbacks
View all comments
Fabio Lucas Carvalho

Journalist specializing in a wide range of topics, such as cars, technology, politics, shipbuilding, geopolitics, renewable energy and economics. I have been working since 2015 with prominent publications in major news portals. My degree in Information Technology Management from Faculdade de Petrolina (Facape) adds a unique technical perspective to my analyses and reports. With over 10 thousand articles published in renowned media outlets, I always seek to bring detailed information and relevant insights to the reader. For story suggestions or any questions, please contact me by email at flclucas@hotmail.com.

Share across apps
0
We would love your opinion on this subject, comment!x