Glaciologists Decipher the Nature of the Rectangular Ice Phenomenon Near Syowa Station

A striking rectangular formation on the East Antarctic Ice Sheet has once again become a focal point of online discussion. Situated near the coordinates 69°00'50'' S and 39°36'22'' E, this geometric anomaly has sparked various theories regarding its origins. Captured in high-resolution imagery, the feature's precise lines contrast sharply with the rugged Antarctic environment. However, in January 2026, the scientific community provided a definitive explanation that dismisses any notions of artificial construction.

Glaciologists, including the renowned Professor Bethan Davies from Newcastle University, attribute this phenomenon to natural geological and climatic drivers. As a leading expert for AntarcticGlaciers.org and a member of the UK Antarctic Place-names Committee, Professor Davies suggests the shape likely stems from a grounded iceberg or a rocky ridge exposed by thinning ice. Her work focuses on the sensitivity of ice sheets to shifting climates, a field essential for predicting global sea-level fluctuations.

Experts clarify that the structure is the product of complex interactions between moving ice and subglacial obstructions. Powerful katabatic winds and specific melting cycles have further refined these edges, giving the formation its distinct, polished appearance. These "downslope" winds are a hallmark of the Antarctic climate; as surface air cools and densifies over the high plateau, gravity pulls it toward the coast at speeds often reaching 20 m/s. Unlike typical winds, these flows are constant because the ice sheet provides a continuous cooling effect.

The Antarctic Ice Sheet, covering roughly 98% of the continent, serves as the planet's largest ice reservoir. It spans 14 million km² and contains 26.5 million km³ of ice—enough to raise global sea levels by 58 meters if melted. The East Antarctic Ice Sheet, where Syowa Station is located, is a massive plateau with an average elevation of 3 km and ice thickness reaching 2.5 km. This vast frozen expanse is the primary engine for the intense katabatic winds that transport frigid air from the interior.

Professor Davies, who was awarded the Richardson Medal in 2024 for her contributions to glaciology, utilizes satellite data and geomorphological evidence to reconstruct ice behavior. Her analysis explains how ice, flowing under the influence of gravity, can be sculpted by subglacial obstacles into shapes that appear artificial to the untrained eye. In some regions of Antarctica, these winds can accelerate to 200 miles per hour, demonstrating their immense capacity for erosion and surface modeling.

Ultimately, the rectangular formation serves as a powerful illustration of how fundamental physical forces—gravitational ice flow, bedrock interaction, and extreme meteorological events—can create structures that seem out of place on Earth. This phenomenon highlights the dynamic and ever-changing nature of glacial systems. It confirms that even the most geometric "anomalies" are often the result of internal and external environmental pressures reshaping the landscape over time.