The pyramid-like shape of the mountains in Guizhou is the result of natural erosion over millions of years.
Nestled in the lush landscape of Guizhou Province, China, lies a series of mountains strikingly reminiscent of the Egyptian pyramids. This captivating sight has attracted the attention of many social media users worldwide and sparked a debate. Some speculate that the mountains in Anlong County conceal the tombs of ancient emperors, while others firmly believe they were created by some mysterious forces, Global Times reported on March 21.
Pyramid-shaped mountains in Guizhou. (Photo: Weibo).
However, Professor Zhou Qiuwen, a geologist at Guizhou Normal University, provides a scientific explanation for the formation of these unique mountains. According to Zhou, the series of natural “pyramids” in Anlong County were not constructed by humans or ancient tombs. Instead, they are a testament to the wonders of nature.
Guizhou Province, located in southwestern China, is renowned for its natural beauty and diverse landscapes. The average elevation of the province is around 1,100 meters, with 92.5% of its area being mountainous. The region features many mountain ranges with steep peaks and deep valleys stretching across the province.
A defining characteristic of this mountainous region is its karst topography, which is formed from easily soluble carbonate rocks. The cone-shaped mountains are the result of the dissolution of rock formations. Vertical erosion by water leads to the initial broad rock masses being segmented into individual blocks. As the erosion process continues, the rock at the top is significantly dissolved, while the rock at the base is less affected. The result is a mountain with a sharp, pointed summit and a wider base.
Similarly, the layered shape of the mountains relates to the characteristics of the rock. The mountains in Guizhou are formed from dolomite rock dating back over 200 million years, from a time when the area was predominantly submerged underwater. This type of rock formed in the sea, as minerals dissolved in water crystallized into solid rock. Due to periodic changes in climate, geological structures, and various other environmental factors, the rock formation process was repeatedly interrupted and restarted, resulting in rock layers with distinct separations.
According to Zhou, the layers on the rock surface are also the result of natural erosion. Some rock surfaces initially had small cracks. The water eroding between these cracks was not strong enough to dissolve the entire rock mass but was sufficient to segment the rock, creating a shape resembling stacked layers.
