A mountain in Antarctica's Heritage Range, located at 79°58'39.25"S 81°57'32.21"W, maintains its allure in 2025 due to its striking pyramid-like shape. This natural formation, easily spotted on Google Maps, has prompted discussions about its origins, with some speculating about lost civilizations or extraterrestrial influence.
However, scientists explain that the mountain's unique form is the result of natural geological processes occurring over millions of years. Pyramidal shapes, though rare, can emerge from erosion, as explained by Eric Rignot, a professor of Earth System Science at the University of California. The primary sculptor is the continuous cycle of freezing and thawing.
Mauri Pelto, an Environmental Science professor at Nichols College, notes that water enters rock fissures, freezes, and expands, widening cracks. This ongoing process gradually shapes the mountain's edges, creating its pyramidal appearance. The Ellsworth Mountains, encompassing the Heritage Range, feature diverse geological formations shaped by these natural forces. This phenomenon continues to fascinate in 2025, showcasing nature's powerful role in shaping our planet.