A team of researchers claims that remains found on Mount Ararat may belong to Noah's Ark, and recent tests have yielded positive results from the land. The researchers believe that the evidence supports their theories about the Durupınar Formation being an ancient ship, according to The Sun.
The Durupınar Formation, located on Mount Ararat in eastern Turkey, is a 538-foot geological structure that closely matches the dimensions of Noah's Ark as described in the Bible. The formation's boat-like shape has long intrigued scholars and adventurers. Recent examinations have revealed rock and soil samples containing traces of clay-like materials, marine deposits, and remnants of seafood, including mollusks. These findings suggest that the structure could be the fossilized remains of a ship that suffered a flood thousands of years ago.
"So far, our results support our theories," stated researcher Andrew Jones. "The soil tests suggest this formation isn't simply part of the surrounding mud flow—it's a distinct object." The research team noted that the soil inside the suspected ark structure has higher organic matter content compared to the soil outside. Additionally, there is more potassium present inside the formation, which could indicate the decomposition of ancient wood.
In October 2019, a full ground-penetrating radar (GPR) scan was conducted at the site. Initial scans showed rectangular shapes about 22 feet beneath the surface within the boat-shaped formation, suggesting possible structural features. An American geophysicist re-examined the data and claimed to find a long hallway that opened up into a large central space within the formation. "The GPR technology provides a non-invasive peek into the past," described Jones, according to The Sun.
GPR works by sending electromagnetic waves into the soil. When these waves encounter objects such as buried artifacts or walls, they bounce back to a receiver, creating images of what's beneath the ground without the need for excavation. This method is particularly useful for preserving archaeological sites while allowing researchers to gather valuable information.
The grass inside the formation turns lighter and more yellow in the autumn, an observation that has led researchers to believe there are still open cavities within the formation, potentially indicating an ancient structure beneath the surface. This has led the research team to believe that the structure is an ancient human-made creation rather than an ecological change to the landscape over time, as reported by The Sun.
The research team, known as Noah's Ark Scans, hopes to soon drill into these cavities to investigate the formation further. "We also plan to take core samples from across the formation, which should help us confirm whether the right angles and geometric patterns we see on the GPR scans are man-made structures or just natural formations," explained Jones. He added, "Only after we gather enough evidence and have a proper preservation plan in place will we consider excavating."
Scientists from Istanbul Technical University, Ağrı İbrahim Çeçen University, and Andrews University in the United States have been studying the region as the Mount Ararat and Noah's Ark Research Team since 2021. They are working to ensure that any exploration of the site does not damage potential historical artifacts. "The location lies in an active earth flow with harsh winters, so protecting the area is our top priority," Jones said.
Despite enthusiasm surrounding the findings, the team exercised caution. Work at the boat site itself had not yet begun, as the scientists had a significant amount of preliminary work to complete. This included geophysical surveys, core drilling, and careful planning to preserve the integrity of the site. "Over the next few years, our Turkish university partners will conduct non-destructive tests like soil sampling, radar scans, and other methods to determine if the structures we've detected are truly man-made or simply natural formations," Jones said.
The idea that Noah's Ark could be located on Mount Ararat has been a topic of intrigue for centuries. According to the Bible, Noah's Ark transported two of every animal species during a great flood intended to cleanse the Earth. The possibility that remnants of this vessel could still exist has captured the imagination of both believers and skeptics.
Previous claims and expeditions have often led to dead ends or have been dismissed by experts as natural rock formations. However, the current research team believes that their findings set their discovery apart from prior efforts. The combination of soil analysis, GPR scans, and the identification of marine materials high up on the mountain provide a compelling case for further investigation.
The article was written with the assistance of a news analysis system.