Researchers are drilling Turkey’s 515-foot boat-shaped Durupınar Formation, which they believe may contain Noah’s Ark remains. Andrew Jones says samples from nearly 60 feet down include organic material that could be decayed Ark remains; laboratory analysis is pending.
Jones said no bedrock or solid limestone has so far been identified in holes drilled inside the formation. He also said preliminary radar data did not show a simple, homogeneous solid-rock signature; the team says the findings challenge the claim that the formation is natural. A fuller report is expected in the coming weeks.
The investigation aims to test whether the formation is natural or built by people. A 1996 study by geologist Lorence Collins and explorer David Fasold concluded it was a natural rock formation. The team says it plans to use Gopher, an underground robot with a high-resolution camera, and conduct more fieldwork next year.
