An international team of researchers has reported new findings from subsurface scans of the Durupınar Formation in eastern Turkey, a geological feature long speculated to be the remains of Noah's Ark. The latest survey, utilizing a specialized radar system, has revealed strong anomalies and distinct internal layers within the 515-foot-long formation, casting doubt on the notion that it is a single, homogeneous block of rock.
The investigation, led by Dr. Khosrow Bakhtar, employed BakhtarRadar, a system developed with US Air Force research, to probe deeper than previous scans. Andrew Jones, founder of Noah's Ark Scans and a member of the research team, stated that initial data analysis has yet to reveal a clear boundary between the formation and the underlying bedrock. The team is continuing to analyze the data, which will inform decisions for core drilling to ascertain what lies beneath the surface.
"We believe the Durupınar Formation is the remains of Noah’s Ark, and that is exactly why we want to put it through the strongest scientific testing we can," Jones said. Researchers caution that these results are preliminary and radar anomalies alone do not confirm an archaeological origin.
Dr. Bakhtar indicated that his team is carefully evaluating the subsurface data to plan core drilling. "We will use BakhtarRadar's unique capability to directly distinguish any still preserved petrified, man-worked timbers from the natural host formation and its varying mineralogy," he stated.
A preliminary technical report is expected in the coming weeks, which will identify the strongest anomalies, offer a clearer view of the geology, and pinpoint optimal locations for targeted core drilling. These samples will allow researchers to compare physical evidence with the radar findings.
The Durupınar Formation, located approximately 18 miles south of Mount Ararat, became known in the modern era less than a century ago. Local reports suggest it was revealed by heavy rains and earthquakes in May 1948, after which it was discovered by a shepherd. The biblical account describes Noah's Ark coming to rest on the "mountains of Ararat" following a global flood. The formation's proximity to a mountain with a peak some believe matches the ark's biblical dimensions—roughly 515 feet long, 86 feet wide, and 52 feet tall—has fueled speculation.
While many scientists consider the formation a natural geological feature, proponents like Jones and his team at Noah's Ark Scans are convinced of its artificial origin. Jones, who has been investigating the site since 2016, previously used ground-penetrating radar to identify what he described as a network of 'corridors' converging on a central chamber, consistent with the Bible's description of the ark's three internal levels.
Further studies involving infrared thermography (IRT) have also suggested the presence of a buried, ship-shaped hull. In 2024, Jones reported the discovery of angular structures up to 20 feet below the surface, potentially representing rooms beneath a deck-like platform. Soil testing has reportedly shown high levels of potassium, a finding consistent with decomposed lumber, and differences in vegetation color within the formation compared to the surrounding area. William Crabtree, another team member, noted the apparent presence of a tunnel large enough to walk through, running from the formation's tip toward its center.
The team's ultimate objective is to obtain physical samples through core drilling to examine the substructure and voids detected by radar. "Whatever happens, whenever God opens doors, we will continue working on the site," Jones stated.