Magnetic Forces Causing Compass Malfunctions

The Bermuda triangle is one of two places on earth where compasses point to true north (the geographic North Pole) rather than magnetic north (the shifting magnetic North Pole), says How Stuff Works.

Some theories have suggested that the agonic line, the point where the magnetic and true north are perfectly aligned, passes through Bermuda Triangle, resulting in a magnetic phenomenon which could explain cases where pilots and ship captains claimed their compasses ceased to work properly, causing them to veer off-course.

The problem with this theory is that early 18th century scientists discovered that the agonic line shifts each year. While it did pass through the Bermuda Triangle at one point, it now goes through the Gulf of Mexico instead.

Methane bubbles
A series of huge craters discovered on the seabed around the coast of Norway in 2016 may also give scientists vital information in solving the mystery.

The craters measure up to half-a-mile wide and are 150ft deep, and are believed to have been formed by bubbles of largely methane gas leaking from deposits of oil and gas buried deep in the sea floor. Once these gasses reach a critical mass before bursting to the surface, they can cause large eruptions.