Archaeologists have made a significant discovery in Turkey, employing advanced radar technology to identify what they believe could be remnants of Noah’s Ark. Using Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR), researchers uncovered a distinct “chemical imprint,” alongside “pieces of wood” and a “hall-like shape” within the Durupinar Formation, located near the base of Mount Ararat.
The American research team, led by independent researcher Andrew Jones from Noah’s Ark Scans, has documented angular formations and a hollow space deep within the mountain. Their GPR analysis suggests the presence of a corridor measuring approximately 13 feet in width, cutting through the formation’s core. The team also reports the identification of central and side walkways, which they interpret as potential pathways within the structure, aligning with Biblical descriptions of the ark.
Biblical narratives recount that Noah’s Ark saved humanity and various animal species from a catastrophic flood over 4,300 years ago. According to the Book of Genesis, the ark was designed with three decks, a detail supported by the GPR findings that reveal three distinct layers beneath the surface.
In an interview with the Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN), Jones stated, “We’re not expecting something that’s fully preserved. What’s left is the chemical imprint, pieces of wood in the ground, and the shape of a hall.” The Durupinar Formation, situated just 18 miles south of Mount Ararat, has been known to the modern world for less than a century, gaining attention after heavy rains and seismic activity in May 1948 exposed the structure.
The formation is located near a peak that closely resembles the dimensions described in sacred texts: “300 cubits long, 50 cubits wide, and 30 cubits high,” which translates to approximately 515 feet long, 86 feet wide, and 52 feet tall. The theory that the ark settled on Mount Ararat has sparked debate among scholars, with some arguing that the formation is merely a natural rock structure, while others, including Jones and his team, maintain it is a significant archaeological find.
Jones has shared insights from their ongoing research, indicating that the GPR scans have revealed angular structures extending up to 20 feet below the ground, features that might suggest compartments consistent with a man-made vessel. He emphasized, “This is not what you’d expect to see if the site were simply a solid block of rock or the result of random mudflow debris.”
Soil analysis has also yielded intriguing results. Jones noted that grass growing within the formation appears to be a different color than that outside it, hinting at a possible artificial origin. William Crabtree, another member of Noah’s Ark Scans, mentioned that a pathway leading from the formation’s tip toward its center is sufficiently spacious for a person to walk through.
Crabtree further explained their soil testing results, revealing that organic matter within the formation is double that found in the adjacent soil. “The potassium concentrations inside are also roughly 40 percent elevated,” he stated, adding that such levels could indicate the presence of decaying organic material, potentially from the rotting wood of a vessel.
Jones and his team plan to expand their soil testing beyond the current 22 samples collected. They are also preparing to conduct core drilling and additional GPR surveys throughout the site. “We want to compare what’s inside the formation to what’s outside,” Jones explained. “That could give us a much clearer picture of whether this is truly something man-made.”
This latest research adds a new chapter to the ongoing exploration of the Durupinar Formation, an area steeped in history and controversy, and brings fresh attention to the enduring story of Noah’s Ark.
