What is the Loch Ness Monster?

 

A view of Loch Ness.

Dr Luigi Piccardi, an Italian specialist in Mediterranean geology, disagrees. Currently studying events depicted in Greek mythology, he says that many of the effects described can be related to real effects during strong earthquakes. Similarly, he thinks that the same theory applies to Nessie and claims that there are recurring tremors around the town of Inverness just 16 kms away that could spread to the Loch. He plans to test his theory by conducting a detailed seismic survey in the area.

But should geological explanations fail, psychology may be able to provide some insight. Helen Ross, a psychologist and expert on illusions, thinks that myth is so powerful that people can convince themselves that an ordinary object floating in the water is a monster. �When something really ambiguous is there, people often don�t know what they�re seeing and they can see all sorts of strange things,� she says. �It�s a bit like seeing faces in the fire or ink blots appearing as all sorts of creatures.�

Until physical evidence of the Loch Ness monster is found � like the creature itself or its skeleton � it may be hard to convince most scientists that it exists. Perhaps the sightings are simply an example of the human fascination for mystery and intrigue, and the awe that many people have for the natural world.

For more information:

Video: Loch Ness [FirstScience presents]
The legend of the Loch Ness monster dates back 1500 years. Since then, 1000 eye witnesses, countless photographs, sonar records and films have testified to the existence of a Loch Ness monster. We chart the early history and explore the possibilities.

Loch Ness and Morar Project
http://www.lochnessproject.org/

BBC 'proves' Nessie does not exist
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/3096839.stm

Loch Ness Cam
http://www.firstscience.com/home/sights-and-sounds/webcams/loch-ness-cam_1542.html