For centuries now, Loch Ness has been part of Scottish folklore and has drawn tourists from all over the world to seek the elusive serpent that supposedly calls this lake home. While Scotland is full of lakes - or lochs - Loch Ness is the only one reported to be home to such a creature. The legend of Loch Ness has been passed down for generations, its origins being traced back to roughly 1,500 years in the Scottish Highlands. The Loch Ness monster has been described as something akin to a 'swimming elephant,' with an elongated head and flippers. While it sounds like something out of a fantasy novel, reported sightings have continued over the years all the way up to this day and now, scientists say there might be evidence for a creature of some kind... but not the one everyone has been expecting.

Believe it or not, there's plenty to know about the lake known as Loch Ness, and it doesn't all revolve around a legendary monster. Among myth and legend lie some legitimately striking facts about the lake, including its unbelievable size as well as its place in the ecosystem of the Highlands. It's an alluring spot for many, not just for the alleged creature that swims just below its surface.

The Loch Ness Monster Might Not Be What Everyone Thinks

It doesn't matter if someone is a believer or a non-believer in Nessie, the legend of this monster's existence is intriguing regardless. While many have caught on film what they believe to be something similar to a deep-sea serpent, scientists are now saying they've found evidence to support otherwise. Despite first-hand accounts of believers, scientists claim there's no biological basis for a creature such as this to exist. What there is evidence for, however, is the existence of giant eels.

While more than 3,000 species are known to call the lake home, Nessie simply isn't one of them at this point, but DNA for eels is something that has been found and recorded. An abundant amount, actually, leading scientists to believe that these snake-like creatures are what people have been seeing and mistaking for Nessie. According to Express, divers have reported seeing eels that are massive in size, with their girth being roughly the size of an adult human leg. The question of mutation in regard to an eel's growth has also been discussed and scientists haven't ruled out the fact that an eel could potentially grow to massive lengths. However compelling the evidence is for giant eels, there are still some locals who claim that research is just that - research, and that Nessie still lives in these waters.

The Lake Itself Is Always One Color And Never Warms Up

Due to the existence of peat, a common finding in many Scottish lakes, the lake's color is never-changing. The water maintains a black hue, with a seemingly uncertain depth or end. Although the lake is pure, the water itself is a challenge to see into, which only adds to the allure of the potential Nessie swimming around underneath. This peat makes the lake seem far more dark and foreboding than it actually is, somehow adding to its overall mysterious beauty.

The temperature of the lake is also something that remains unchanging. Although Scotland sees four seasons just like most countries in the UK, the temperature of the lake maintains a constant temp of five degrees. The water in the lake rarely, if ever, exceeds that temperature, making it a cold-water lake all year round. Furthermore, the lake never actually freezes, despite how cold the air might get above it.

Related: Everything There Is To Know About Lake Champlain's Water Monster, 'Champ'

A Truly Faulty Existence

Something not many know is the geographical position on which Loch Ness sits. The lake is situated over the Great Fault Line, which is so significant that it can actually be seen from outer space. This depression was formed roughly 430 million years ago and underneath it sits the Great Glen fault. The Great Glen is a valley that was carved during the same time period by glaciers, as many of Europe's natural features once were. Great Glen Fault sits between the Laurentia and Baltic tectonic plates and has a known history of movement.

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In addition to its location, Loch Ness has brag-worthy rights as far as its size, as well. The lake itself is home to 263 billion cubic feet of water, making it the largest loch in the British Isles. It's said that more is likely known about the rocks that can be found on the moon rather than the rocks at the bottom of the Loch Ness since it hasn't been thoroughly explored due to its sheer size.

Next: Loch Ness, Kraken, And Other Mythical Creatures Worth Taking To The Sea For