I previously asked about whether physics could explain the occurrences of the rogue waves which could psychology explain the eyewitnesses' perceptions of the Loch Ness monster? (The Physics.SE question has been put on hold because not all of it is about physics.)
So the question:
- What is the psychological explanation for reports of Loch Ness monster?
- Could it be related to the dark, undulating pattern under the crests of the white-caps?
Edit You are walking along a country lane, when a sudden motion on the water catches your eye. Followed by the sound of a crashing wave. Within seconds, only ripples remain on the surface. You remember the image as shown above. It could be a white-cap on a wave, but everyone who has been to the beach knows that waves come in one-after-another, and there are no other waves, so it can't be a wave. You notice the darker area under the white-cap and realize the only possible explanation is: you have just seen a large animal dive under the surface. Like a sounding whale. (Or monster?).
Loch Ness is located near a major fault line that has seismic activity. Physicists can explain that a wave created by seismic activity is a rogue wave or tsunami. They can also explain why the wave does not reach shore and, why the area under the white-cap is always darker.
So, could a collaboration between physics and psychology show this illusion is a possible explanation for Nessi?