The Bermuda Triangle: Myth or Reality?

More than a hundred ships and planes have disappeared in this region close to the Caribbean, as if caught up in a strange and invisible force. Its mysterious name reinforces its legendary character, but the curse that surrounds it is nevertheless scientifically proven... or almost.

Serial disappearances in the Bermuda Triangle

Its name seems to come from an adventure story or a romantic legend, like Atlantis, but the Bermuda Triangle does exist. This geographical area of ​​500,000 square kilometers is not only located at Bermuda, but between Florida, Puerto Rico and the Bermuda archipelago. Already, we understand the vagueness that surrounds it: it is a huge area, the area could reach up to 4 million square kilometers according to some studies.

But it's not its size that gives it a bad reputation. In December 1945, a fleet of five American planes evaporated over the Atlantic. Their last words transmitted by radio are rather disturbing: “It looks like we are entering troubled waters… We are completely lost. Fourteen men no longer give any sign of life, as do the thirteen people who went looking for them on board a seaplane. We will never find their trace.

In 1950, the geographical area was described for the first time by the American newspaper Miami Herald. Since the middle of the 20th century, the Bermuda Triangle has been the scene of serial disappearances. On average, no less than 4 planes and 20 boats mysteriously disappear each year in this Bermuda triangle. Coincidence? Some don't believe it.

The fear of the unknown often leads to finding eccentric explanations to give meaning where it is lacking. For some inventive minds, these disappearances cannot be the result of chance! They result from paranormal phenomena: the Bermuda triangle would thus be a door to another dimension (which is reached via whirlpools) or the secret base of UFOs. Recently, scientists in turn have been trying to unravel the mystery.

The science behind the mystery of the Bermuda Triangle

Behind these paranormal phenomena would hide a rational explanation. The study of the seabed of the Bermuda Triangle has shown the presence of an underwater mountain almost 4,000 meters high under Bermuda. The accumulation of algae, shells or layers of limestone has led to the formation of reefs, which can be responsible for accidents at sea.

Methane gas rising from the ocean floor could also create holes under the hulls of boats, according to the US Oceanic and Atmospheric Observation Agency (NOAA).

Climatic disturbances in the region, close to the Mexican coast, also explain certain air or maritime accidents. Hurricanes, equatorial storms, thunderstorms with winds that can blow at more than 270 km/h, can cause the formation of huge waves. Difficult to maneuver in these conditions. In addition to weather instability, human error also has to be reckoned with, and the disappearances lose much of their mystery.

It therefore seems preferable to keep extraterrestrial theories for a good science fiction novel and to side with scientific discourse, which is much more substantiated! But if in doubt, it is better to avoid going for a walk there…

Source: https://www.geo.fr/