Archaeologists drill 60 ft deep at Mount Ararat to search for Noah's Ark
Archaeologists have conducted deep-soil drilling at the Durupinar formation near Mount Ararat in Turkey to investigate claims of an ancient wooden vessel. While no solid structure was found, researchers noted higher carbon levels in the soil, suggesting the presence of organic material that warrants further laboratory analysis.
Why it matters
The site has been a focal point for decades for those seeking physical evidence of the biblical Noah's Ark, and this study provides a scientific approach to evaluating long-standing geological claims.
The long-running Noah’s Ark mystery has taken a new turn after researchers drilled into the Durupinar formation, a boat-shaped geological site near Mount Ararat in eastern Turkey.The formation has attracted researchers and Noah’s Ark enthusiasts since its identification in 1959. The latest fieldwork involved around 20 researchers from five countries, who collected hundreds of soil samples from both inside and outside the formation.Some of the samples were taken from depths of approximately 60 feet as researchers attempted to determine whether the site contains evidence of human activity or decaying wood.Andrew Jones, vice president of the Noah's Ark Research Project, said the team did not encounter a solid mass of limestone or other rock while drilling."We were hitting mainly soil," Jones said, according to Fox News.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in