Over the years, more than 75 airplanes and 100 ships have mysteriously disappeared in a loosely defined region of the Atlantic Ocean. The Bermuda Triangle having intrigued scientists, has always been surrounded by a number of interesting theories. Though concrete conclusions have not been made, scientists and organisations are making some logical and scientifically supported claims.
Where is the Bermuda Triangle?
An unnamed, region in the Atlantic Ocean between between Florida, Bermuda Islands, and Puerto Rico, was first termed as the ‘Bermuda Triangle’ in 1964, by Vincent H Gaddis. However, the first written account of this region is found in the journal of the famous sea-explorer, Christopher Columbus. The journal which dates back to the 15th century. Columbus states that his compass went amok when he entered, the now known as Bermuda Triangle region.
The Theories
Where there is a mystery, there is an interesting theory. The Bermuda Triangle, also known as the ‘Devils Triangle‘ or the ‘Limbo of the Lost’, is also one such infamous mystery.
Devils Triangle
The one’s who believe in a heaven and a hell, suggest that the Bermuda Triangle is Satan’s demonic alley of hell. Another far fetched theory is that of the battered souls and demons of the sunken city of Atlantis attacking ships.
Aliens and Time Travel
The sci-fi experts like to explain the disappearance by suggesting the existence of extraterrestrial or alien base at the bottom of the triangle. It is also theorised to be The Tunnel of Time Travel. Since pilots have stated that they have experienced electronic fog followed by a time lapse and going off the radar and re-emerging at a different location miles away from source.
While these theories are a little far fetched and hard to believe, there are a few others which provide more agreeable explanations.
oWN BIOSPHERE
The Bermuda Triangle is said to be so eerie that it has its own weather and environment. This leads to unexpected tornados and storms that torment ships and planes.
Methane Hydrates
This theory though being plausible, does not help us completely solve the mystery. According to this theory, the Bermuda Triangle sits on marshes of methane hydrates. This explains the sinking of ships due to the low density of water but does not explain the disappearances of aircrafts. However, other explanations suggest that the methane gas-blow could also rise into the sky producing a mixture of 5-15 per cent methane that would explode on contact with a hot aeroplane engine exhaust. Nevertheless, this theory does not explain how the crew members did not manage to survive while the supplies remained intact. Lastly, research and records suggest the most recent naturally-occurring hydrate gas blowout off the south-eastern US probably occurred at the end of the glacial episode … about 15,000 years ago or more.
The Truth
The theory that is most likely resolve this mystery is the Magnetic Field Theory. Researcher organisations and scientists have commented that the Bermuda Triangle is the only place, after North Pole, where the magnetic field is such that all compasses point towards true north, instead of magnetic north. Such sudden deflection in the navigation, if not adjusted for can lead aircrafts and sea-ships astray. This theory however does not provide explanations for instances when the ships and aircrafts have been intact, without any internal or external damage.
Karl Kruszelnicki, an Australian scientist, states that there are no need for any theories because there is no mystery to be resolved. His research concludes that the disappearances are consequences of plain and simple human error and bad weather conditions. Lastly, he also mentions that, “According to Lloyd’s of London and the US Coastguard, the number that go missing in the Bermuda Triangle is the same as anywhere in the world on a percentage basis.”
The Bermuda Triangle, till date is an extremely busy patch of the sea.
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