A boat-shaped mound in the mountains of Turkey could be the remains of Noah's Ark, according to a team of Christian researchers who cite new radar scans as evidence.
The Durupınar Formation, located around 18 miles from Mount Ararat, has long been dismissed by geologists as a natural rock structure. However, a high-tech survey has detected underground anomalies and separate layers inside the mound, casting doubt on that assumption.
Radar survey reveals anomalies
The investigation was led by Dr Khosrow Bakhtar using BakhtarRadar, a specialist imaging system developed through US Air Force research. The technology allowed the team to peer deeper underground than ever before.
Andrew Jones, founder of Noah's Ark Scans, said: “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.”
Researchers urge caution
The researchers stressed that they have not yet proved the Ark is buried there. Results are still being examined, and the team has yet to identify a clear boundary between the formation and the bedrock underneath.
They argue, however, that the latest readings will help them choose where to carry out new drilling, which could be a crucial step in revealing what lies inside the mound.
Formation's history and scepticism
The formation reportedly appeared after heavy rain and earthquakes washed away surrounding mud in 1948, when it was discovered by a Kurdish shepherd. It has baffled experts and biblical hunters ever since.
Most geologists remain sceptical and insist Durupınar is simply an extraordinary natural rock formation. Even Jones's team admits that suspicious radar readings alone will not necessarily prove a biblical back story.
