Unique pyramid-shaped mountains in China

The Egyptian pyramid-like shape of Guizhou's mountains is the result of natural erosion over a period of hundreds of millions of years .

Set amid the verdant landscape of Guizhou province, China, are a series of mountains that closely resemble the Egyptian pyramids . The image attracted the attention of many social network users around the world and sparked a controversy. Some people speculate that the mountain in An Long district hides the tombs of ancient emperors while others believe they were created by some mysterious force, Global Times reported on March 21.

Pyramid-shaped mountains in Guizhou. (Photo: Weibo).

However, Professor Zhou Qiuwen, a geologist at Guizhou Normal University, provided a scientific explanation behind the formation of these special mountains. According to Zhou, the series of natural "pyramids" in An Long district are not built by humans or ancient tombs . Instead, they are a testament to the wonder of creation.

Guizhou province located in southwest China is famous for its natural beauty and diverse landscapes. The average altitude of the province is about 1,100m with 92.5% of the area being mountainous. The area has many mountain ranges with steep peaks and deep valleys, stretching throughout the province.

This province is characterized by karst terrain , formed from easily soluble carbonate rocks. The cone-shaped mountain is the result when rock formations are dissolved. Vertical water erosion results in the initially widespread rock masses being segmented into single boulders. As erosion continues, rocks at the summit are significantly dissolved, while rocks at the base of the mountain are less affected. As a result, the mountain has a sharp peak and wider base.

Similarly, the layered shape of a mountain is related to the characteristics of the rock. Mountains in Guizhou were formed from dolomite rocks dating back more than 200 million years, from a period when the area was mainly submerged under water. This type of rock forms in the sea, when minerals dissolve in water and crystallize into solid rock. Due to periodic changes in climate, geological structures and many other environmental factors, the process of rock formation is repeatedly interrupted and restarted. That creates a stone with clear layers.

According to Zhou, the layers on the rock surface are also the result of natural erosion . Some original stone surfaces have small cracks. Water eroding between cracks is not strong enough to dissolve the entire rock mass, but is enough to segment it, creating a shape that resembles many stacked layers.