A researcher has revived debate over a long-standing biblical mystery, claiming that a boat-shaped formation in eastern Turkey may conceal the remains of Noah’s Ark. The assertion follows years of fieldwork, including subsurface scans and soil analysis, at a site near Mount Ararat that has drawn attention for decades.
Andrew Jones, who leads a research group focused on the location, said the formation’s size closely matches the dimensions described in the Book of Genesis. The structure stretches about 515 feet and sits roughly 6,500 feet above sea level. Biblical accounts describe the Ark as 300 cubits long, a measurement that some researchers say aligns with the site.
Jones’ team used ground-penetrating radar and infrared imaging to study what lies beneath the surface. The data, he said, points to a large, vessel-like shape buried underground. According to the findings, the scans suggest internal features that resemble corridors and a central open space within the formation.
Subsurface scans reveal an intriguing structure of a possible Noah’s Ark in Turkey
The imaging results have led researchers to argue that the formation may contain an organized internal layout rather than being entirely natural. Jones said the scans appear to show passageways running along the length and edges of the structure, converging into a central chamber described as an atrium-like space.
He added that the apparent layout could be consistent with descriptions of Noah’s Ark having multiple decks. According to biblical tradition, such a structure would have been designed to accommodate people and animals during a prolonged flood.
Further support for the claim comes from soil testing conducted in 2024. Researchers collected 88 samples from inside and outside the site. Analysis showed that soil within the formation contained significantly higher levels of organic material and about 38 percent more potassium than the surrounding areas. Jones said these chemical differences may reflect the long-term decomposition of a large wooden structure.
Fossils and geological debate persist
The team also reported differences in vegetation growing across the site. Plants within the formation’s boundary appear more yellow during certain seasons, which researchers believe may be linked to unusual soil composition beneath the surface.
Jones has pointed to the presence of marine fossils, including shells and coral, found at high elevations near the site. He argues that such evidence could support the idea that the area was once submerged. However, most geologists attribute these findings to tectonic processes that gradually lifted ancient seabeds over millions of years.
The formation was first documented in 1959 and has since remained a focus of speculation and study. Researchers plan to continue their work by deploying a remote-controlled device to explore the subsurface features more directly.
Whether the formation proves to be a structure made by humans or a natural geological feature, the investigation at Mount Ararat continues to draw global interest.