A recent radar survey in eastern Turkey has revealed underground features at a controversial site that some researchers believe may be linked to the biblical Ark of Noah.

According to the Daily Mail, Scientists using remote-sensing technology have identified geometric structures, tunnels, and organic-rich soil buried beneath a boat-shaped formation near Mount Ararat, raising new speculation about ancient engineering and its potential biblical ties.

The Durupınar Formation, located approximately 18 miles south of Mount Ararat—Turkey’s tallest mountain—first drew attention in 1948, when flooding and seismic activity exposed the area to a Kurdish shepherd.

The site’s shape bears a resemblance to descriptions of Noah’s Ark found in the book of Genesis, specifically measurements of approximately 515 feet in length, 86 feet wide, and 52 feet tall. The Ark, according to the account, was constructed from gopher wood and featured three interior decks.

A team from Noah’s Ark Scans, led by American researcher Andrew Jones, has been exploring the site using non-invasive ground-penetrating radar (GPR) methods instead of traditional excavation.

Radar Uncovers Angular Structures and Tunnels

The research team's radar scans have revealed a tunnel of roughly 13 feet running lengthwise through the core of the formation, as well as angular elements located as deep as 20 feet underground. According to Jones, these findings contrast with what would be expected in a natural rock formation.

“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,” he told the Christian Broadcasting Network. “But it is exactly what you'd expect to find if this were a man-made boat,” Jones added.

Further radar imagery identified three horizontal layers within the structure, which the team believes may correspond to the tiers described in biblical accounts of the Ark’s construction.

Soil Analysis Reveals Possible Signs of Decayed Wood

In addition to the subsurface structures, the team detected unusual grass coloration within the formation, distinct from the surrounding vegetation. Jones noted that the varied shades could indicate different soil conditions or prior human activity within the structure’s boundaries.

To investigate further, the team analyzed soil samples from both inside and outside the site. Initial tests showed that the soil contained nearly double the level of organic materials within the formation than in surrounding areas.

The formation's interior also showed potassium levels roughly 40% higher than samples taken from adjacent locations. This discovery led William Crabtree, a soil scientist with the team, to suggest it may be linked to the breakdown of long-decayed organic material.

More Survey Work Planned Pending Results

“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. He pointed out that lingering signs of wood decay could explain the chemical patterns discovered in the samples.

“If this were 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,” he added.

Although the research team has collected 22 soil samples so far, they hope to gather more shortly. Plans are also underway to perform further radar analysis and begin a core drilling survey to gain more detailed data about the structure's inner composition.

Debate Continues Over Natural vs. Man-Made Origins

Despite the findings, mainstream geologists continue to argue that the Durupınar Formation is a natural geological feature formed by sedimentary processes and erosion. Previous scientific reviews have challenged many of the man-made structure interpretations.

Jones acknowledged that preservation is unlikely but emphasized the significance of what's left behind. “We're not expecting something that's fully preserved. What's left is the chemical imprint, pieces of wood, and in the ground, the shape of a hall.”

While the team is committed to non-invasive research methods for now, they maintain that their findings suggest the possibility of ancient construction buried beneath the surface. “We want to compare what's inside the formation to what's outside,” Jones explained. “That could give us a much clearer picture of whether this is truly something man-made.”