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Science Knowledge 19/05/2025 22:15

Is This the Lost Ark? Ground-Penetrating Radar Uncovers Intriguing Structures Beneath Turkish Site Tied to Biblical Legend

Using advanced radar technology, researchers have detected striking underground formations at a Turkish mountainside that some believe may correspond to Noah’s Ark as described in the Book of Genesis.
The site.

Introduction: A Biblical Mystery Meets Modern Technology
For centuries, explorers, theologians, and skeptics alike have debated the resting place of one of history’s most iconic vessels: Noah’s Ark. With descriptions rooted in ancient scripture and echoed across the Abrahamic faiths—Judaism, Christianity, and Islam—the idea of a real, physical Ark has captivated imaginations for generations. Now, an international research team may have found its most compelling clue yet—buried deep beneath a mountainous region in eastern Turkey.

Using ground-penetrating radar (GPR), researchers from the organization Noah’s Ark Scans claim to have identified anomalous structures hidden within a massive, boat-shaped formation known as the Durupinar site, located about 18 miles south of Mount Ararat—the very region many believe to be the Ark’s final resting place.

“It is exactly what you’d expect to find if this were a man-made boat, consistent with the biblical specifications of Noah’s Ark,” said Andrew Jones, an independent researcher and member of the Noah’s Ark Scans team, in a statement to the Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN).

The Durupinar Site: Naturally Formed or Human-Made?
The Durupinar formation, measuring approximately 538 feet in length, mirrors the measurements specified in Genesis 6:15, which describes the Ark as 300 cubits long, 50 cubits wide, and 30 cubits high—equating roughly to 515 feet × 86 feet × 52 feet.

The site's unique shape has made it a recurring subject of debate since its initial discovery in 1959 by Turkish Army Captain Ilhan Durupinar. While many geologists have labeled it a natural phenomenon, others, including the late Ron Wyatt and now Andrew Jones, have insisted on a more literal interpretation—that this could be the Ark itself.
The site is located in Agri Province, near the town of Dogubayazit, and lies within a region that is both politically sensitive and geologically complex. Its remote location and deep historical relevance continue to attract pilgrims, scientists, and skeptics alike.
A radar scan of the site.
Radar Scans Reveal Tunnel and Multi-Layered Structure
Andrew Jones and his team recently conducted a comprehensive GPR survey of the site, uncovering several anomalies that may challenge long-standing geological assumptions.

“We detected what appears to be a 13-foot tunnel running through the center of the formation,” Jones told CBN. “This tunnel is aligned precisely where one might expect a central passageway on a large ship-like structure.”

The radar also identified three distinct subterranean levels, aligning with the three-deck configuration described in Genesis 6:16:

“Make a roof for the ark, and finish it to a cubit above, and set the door of the ark in its side. Make it with lower, second, and third decks.”

In addition, researchers noted the presence of central and lateral corridors, consistent with what one would expect in a large, compartmentalized vessel.

“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,” Jones explained.

Soil Analysis: Chemical Signatures of Organic Decay
Beyond the radar findings, the team collected 22 soil samples from within and outside the site’s boundaries. The analysis yielded stark contrasts in the chemical composition of the two areas:

  • The interior samples had twice the organic matter

  • Potassium levels were up to 40% higher inside the formation

  • pH levels were measurably lower

According to William Crabtree, a soil scientist working on the project, these chemical changes are indicative of decomposed organic material, potentially the remnants of decayed wood.
“If you know soil science — as I’m a soil scientist — you’ll understand that potassium levels, organic matter, and pH can all be influenced by decaying organic material,” Crabtree said. “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.”

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