Archaeologists have announced a significant discovery in Turkey, suggesting they may have located the remains of Noah’s Ark. Utilizing Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) technology, researchers have detected a “chemical imprint” and “pieces of wood in the ground,” along with the outline of an extensive structure, near the Durupinar Formation close to Mount Ararat. This formation has long been associated with the Biblical account of Noah’s Ark, which is said to have saved humanity and various animal species from a catastrophic flood over 4,300 years ago.
The American research team, part of Noah’s Ark Scans, has identified angular formations and a hollow space within the mountain. Independent researcher Andrew Jones noted that the GPR findings indicate a 13-foot corridor running through the core of the formation. The team also reported detecting walkways or hallways that could correspond with the Biblical description of the ark, as recorded in Genesis 6:16, which specifies that the ark was to have “lower, second, and third decks.”
Details from Ground Penetrating Radar Analysis
During an interview with the Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN), Jones explained the nature of their findings, stating, “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 sits approximately 18 miles south of Mount Ararat, Turkey’s highest peak. Discovered in the late 20th century, the site became known to the broader world following heavy rains and seismic activity in May 1948, which uncovered its distinct features.
According to Biblical texts, Noah’s Ark came to rest on the “mountains of Ararat” after a devastating 150-day flood. The formation’s dimensions reportedly align closely with the ark’s specifications of approximately 515 feet long, 86 feet wide, and 52 feet tall. The theory that the ark’s remnants lie on Mount Ararat has sparked ongoing debate. Some scholars consider the structure to be a natural rock formation, while others, including the Noah’s Ark Scans team, advocate for the belief that it indicates something extraordinary.
Ongoing Research and Findings
In their ongoing examination of the Durupinar Formation, Jones and his team have uncovered angular structures extending as deep as 20 feet beneath the surface, suggesting compartments akin to those detailed in Genesis 6:14. Jones remarked, “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. It aligns with what you would anticipate from a man-made boat.”
Soil analysis has also revealed intriguing findings. Jones described variations in grass coloration within the formation, indicating a potential artificial origin rather than a natural one. Fellow researcher William Crabtree added that a passageway appears to run from the formation’s tip to its center, spacious enough for human passage. Their soil tests indicated organic matter levels were double that found in adjacent areas, with potassium concentrations elevated by around 40 percent.
Crabtree explained, “If this was a wooden boat and the wood had rotted over time, we would expect to see elevated levels of potassium, changes in pH, and higher organic content—and that’s exactly what we’re finding.” The research team plans to expand their soil testing beyond the 22 samples already collected and intends to conduct core drilling and further GPR surveys across the site. Jones emphasized the importance of these efforts to differentiate the characteristics of the formation from those of the surrounding area.
As they continue their investigation, the researchers aim to provide clearer insights into whether the formation is indeed a man-made structure linked to the legendary vessel. The findings from the Durupinar Formation could have profound implications for our understanding of ancient history and the narratives surrounding Biblical events.
