Bermuda Triangle

Bermuda Triangle map 17 Sept 1950

Gulfstream1

Atlantic hurricane tracks

Gas hydrates 1996

The missing Training Ship, HMS 'Atlanta' - The Graphic 1880

Bermuda Triangle

The Bermuda Triangle, also known as the Devil's Triangle, is a loosely defined region in the western part of the North Atlantic Ocean where a number of aircraft and ships are said to have disappeared under mysterious circumstances. The boundaries of the Triangle are not universally agreed upon, but it is commonly believed to be bounded by points in Bermuda, Florida, and Puerto Rico. Despite its notoriety, the Bermuda Triangle does not appear on any official world maps, and the U.S. Board on Geographic Names does not recognize the Bermuda Triangle as an official region.

History

The term "Bermuda Triangle" was first coined by Vincent Gaddis in a 1964 magazine article, and it was later expanded upon in his book "Invisible Horizons: True Mysteries of the Sea" (1965). The area gained widespread attention through the publication of Charles Berlitz's book "The Bermuda Triangle" (1974), which sold millions of copies and popularized the concept of the Triangle as a region of mysterious disappearances.

Geography

The Bermuda Triangle covers an area of about 500,000 to 1,500,000 square kilometers (190,000 to 580,000 square miles) in the Atlantic Ocean. The exact vertices of the Triangle are not universally agreed upon, but it is often delineated by Miami, Bermuda, and San Juan, Puerto Rico. The area is one of the most heavily traveled shipping lanes in the world, with ships crossing through it daily for ports in the Americas, Europe, and the Caribbean Islands.

Phenomena and Explanations

Over the years, various theories have been proposed to explain the disappearances within the Bermuda Triangle, ranging from natural phenomena to paranormal explanations. Some of the more scientific explanations include the presence of methane hydrates on the ocean floor, which can reduce the density of water; rogue waves; and sudden weather changes. Other theories involve compass variations, which are not unique to the Bermuda Triangle, as well as human error, piracy, and insurance fraud.

Despite the popularity of these mysterious accounts, most scientists do not recognize the Bermuda Triangle as an area of any more significant mystery than any other part of the ocean. The U.S. Coast Guard, in their official statement on the Bermuda Triangle, notes that they do not recognize the existence of the area as geographically significant, attributing incidents to environmental factors, human error, or equipment failure.

Cultural Impact

The Bermuda Triangle has had a significant impact on popular culture, with numerous books, films, and television shows speculating about the mysterious phenomena associated with the area. It remains a popular subject for speculation and entertainment, despite the lack of evidence for any unusual activity compared to other parts of the ocean.

See Also

• List of Bermuda Triangle incidents
• Maritime mysteries
• Paranormal places

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