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Robot reveals organic “chambers” in Turkey’s Durupinar formation

By Drooid · Sep 25, 2026, 12:39 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Turkish-U.S. Noah’s Ark Scans team began drilling into the Durupinar formation in eastern Turkey.
The team used Gopher, a robot built by Dr. Robert Ross, to collect footage and samples.
Core samples from nearly 60 feet revealed rich organic layers and no solid limestone.
Radar data indicated the formation is not homogeneous solid rock, implying internal chambers.
Researchers mapped a 250-foot corridor, paused drilling before winter, and will resume next year.

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Story summary

Turkish-U.S. Noah’s Ark Scans team began drilling into the Durupinar formation in eastern Turkey.
The team used Gopher, a robot built by Dr. Robert Ross, to collect footage and samples.
Core samples from nearly 60 feet revealed rich organic layers and no solid limestone.
Radar data indicated the formation is not homogeneous solid rock, implying internal chambers.
Researchers mapped a 250-foot corridor, paused drilling before winter, and will resume next year.