New research into a peculiar, boat-shaped formation in eastern Turkey may have uncovered the strongest evidence yet of a possible man-made structure buried beneath the surface.

According to Fox News, International researchers are exploring soil analyses and radar scans from the Durupinar site that suggest the presence of decayed wood and structural outlines consistent with ancient construction, reigniting debate over whether this site could be linked to the biblical Noah’s Ark.

The Durupinar site, located near Mount Ararat in eastern Turkey, was first documented in the 1950s and has long intrigued archaeologists, geologists, and biblical researchers. The formation, measuring around 515 feet long, aligns with the dimensions of the vessel described in the Book of Genesis.

In September 2024, a team led by Noah’s Ark Scans collected soil samples from the site. These were studied throughout the winter, with findings released more recently. The analysis indicated unusually high organic content and levels of potassium within the structure compared to nearby volcanic mudflow.

Andrew Jones, who leads the archaeological research for the group, explained the significance of these results. “The rotting ancient wood inside the boat-shaped area is likely creating a localized soil microenvironment,” he said, pointing to changes in pH and a rise in organic material as key signs of decaying timber beneath.

Organic Soil Results Suggest Decomposition

According to Jones, these findings are supported by the presence of humus—a form of stable organic matter derived from decaying wood—within the sampled soil. These biological changes could only occur through prolonged exposure to organic decomposition, he argued.

William Crabtree, a soil scientist working with the group, added weight to the theory. “The soil composition is markedly different from the natural mudflow, indicating something extraordinary at this site,” he said.

Noah’s Ark Scans stated that the elevated carbon count, 2.72 times higher than the surrounding terrain, further suggested rotting organic material sealed beneath the surface. This discovery, they noted, supports the idea of preserved wood or wooden structure buried under centuries of geological activity.

Radar Scans Expose Structural Features

While the soil tests offer biological evidence, previous ground-penetrating radar scans conducted in 2019 provide geometric support. These scans indicated the presence of unusual formations deep in the soil that appeared neither random nor naturally occurring.

The scans revealed a central corridor measuring 234 feet in length, flanked by angular shapes interpreted as room-like or hallway structures. These formations extended up to 20 feet below the surface and maintained right angles—an uncommon trait in natural rock formations.

“These right-angled formations, uncommon in natural geological processes, suggest intentional design,” a spokesperson for Noah’s Ark Scans observed. The organization views these linear and architectural-looking shapes as consistent with a purpose-built structure.

Researchers Caution Against Premature Conclusions

Despite the compelling data, no digging or excavation will take place this year, as the team is focused on gathering more non-invasive evidence. Plans include more comprehensive soil sampling, expansion of geophysical scans, and potential core drilling in the coming year.

Jones emphasized the importance of a scientific approach. “We plan to do a much larger soil test and take deeper samples from the ground,” he said, noting that conclusions should rest on strong and replicable data.

This layered approach allows the team to pursue archaeological goals without damaging what might still lie preserved beneath the site—if it is, in fact, a human-made artifact.

Theories Still Under Academic Debate

Though the Durupinar site has circulated within ark speculation groups for decades, many mainstream archaeologists remain skeptical. The natural processes that can produce boat-shaped or symmetrical formations are complex, and experts call for caution before drawing historical conclusions.

Jones, however, said the re-analyzed scans have added clarity to the years of debate. “The re-analysis confirms what we suspected,” he said. “These are not random shapes in the mudflow.”

The combination of elevated carbon, potassium, and uncharacteristic geometric features is giving researchers confidence in their next steps, but the authors of the study acknowledge that definitive proof will require further investigation.

Future Surveys May Bring Clearer Evidence

For now, the team’s focus remains on understanding the Durupinar site through careful, non-destructive methods that increase scientific rigor while protecting any potentially historic remains.

“The presence of hallways and room-like structures points to a man-made origin for the boat shape,” Jones commented. Still, he conceded that such a conclusion awaits stronger and more direct evidence, likely obtainable through future core sampling.

While a conclusive identification of the Durupinar structure as the biblical Ark remains out of reach, researchers believe the data now available represents one of the most promising developments in this long-standing mystery.