I'm not a Bible scholar, but I believe that it depends on which version of Noah you read. Like the creation stories in Gen 1:1 and 2:4, there are two versions of Noah that are slightly different. Yes, they can be rationalized, but I continue to be amazed that it's possible for people to rationalize two different stories in the Bible, but not rationalize the Bible with the reality we find in nature around us.
http://www.apologeticspress.org/articles/2194
For your consideration. Regards.