A remarkable geological finding beneath the Bermuda Triangle has sent conspiracy theorists into overdrive across social media platforms.
Scientists using seismic studies identified a 12.4-mile-thick layer of rock sitting below the mysterious area, which researchers have described as “unlike anything else on Earth”.
The team discovered that seismic waves from distant earthquakes were being deflected by this lower density rock formation, explaining why Bermuda sits on a raised section of ocean crust called an “oceanic swell”.
Dr William Frazer, a seismologist at Carnegie Science and the lead researcher, told the Daily Mail: “Typically these types of swells, like Hawaii or Iceland, are associated with active volcanism and an active upwelling from the deep mantle.
A remarkable geological finding beneath the Bermuda Triangle has sent conspiracy theorists into overdrive
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“Bermuda is strange because there is evidence from rocks at the surface that suggest it has stayed relatively stagnant.”
Despite geologists offering a straightforward natural explanation for the phenomenon, internet users have flooded platforms with outlandish theories connecting the discovery to everything from lost civilisations to extra-terrestrial activity.
Some took the speculation further, with one commenter musing: “What if a highly advanced civilisation that is many millions of years old built an underground centre of the earth lair to live and survive and they are still there?
“It explains them poaching people that enter the Bermuda triangle as well.”
The study’s leader author said the area was strange as there is evidence that it has stayed relatively stagnant
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Extra-terrestrial theories also gained traction, with one user asking whether aliens residing beneath the waves were responsible for disappearing aircraft and passengers. Another simply stated: “That’s where the mothership is.”
The discovery also attracted flat Earth proponents, who linked it to claims about Nasa concealing the planet’s true shape.
One wrote: “Oh look, the mysterious triangle where they land all the space shuttles as they don’t go into space as they would hit the glass ceiling.”
Another added: “Nasa specialising in one-way trips to the Bermuda Triangle since 1958.”
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One commenter even suggested that it is “a portal to hell, protected by demonic principalities, witches and wizards.
“There are cities beneath the oceans run by evil demons.”
Dr Daniel Jolley, a conspiracy theory expert from the University of Nottingham, explained why such discoveries trigger this kind of response.
“The Bermuda Triangle is a perfect recipe for conspiracy-style thinking because it taps directly into core psychological needs,” he told the Daily Mail.
An estimated 50 ships and 20 planes have mysteriously vanished travelling through the Bermuda Triangle (file photo)
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He noted that when events appear random or chaotic, individuals seek the comfort of believing something is in control, even if that force is malevolent.
“And socially, being part of a group that ‘knows the truth’ about the Triangle offers a distinct identity – insiders versus the naïve majority,” Dr Jolley added.
It is estimated that roughly 50 ships and 20 planes have mysteriously vanished travelling through the Bermuda Triangle.
However, authorities including the US Coast Guard insist the area is no more dangerous than other busy oceans, with most incidents blamed on human error, storms, or heavy traffic.
