Israel: Dead Sea

The Dead Sea is a body of water located in the Jordan rift valley. The hyper saline aquatic environment makes it impossible for any life form to survive in the mineral rich waters. Due to this extremely high mineral content, both the water and sand are believed to have many health benefits. The Dead Sea is bordered by Israel to the east and Jordan to the West. Sitting at 1,412 feet (430 m) below sea level, this body of water is geographically the lowest point on earth. At lower depths, the level of salt continues to increase until the water eventually reaches its saturation point, resulting in a crystal build up on the bottom. The structure of the Dead Sea and surrounding environment act as a terminus for the flow of surface water; water can flow in but is unable to flow out. Extremely high temperatures year-round result in water steadily evaporating, ultimately keeping mineral levels constant.

 

The Dead Sea, located on the border of Israel and Jordan, is a natural phenomenon in many aspects. It is the lowest point on the Earth, with an altitude of -1,411 feet (-430 m) below the sea level on its shores and -2,592 feet (-790 m) below sea level at its sea bed. It is also one of the saltiest bodies of water on the Earth. Despite being called a sea, it is a salt lake, with 34.2% salinity – making it almost ten times saltier than the ocean. Due to the high levels of sodium chloride and potassium chloride, the water has a high-density of 10.35 lbs./g (1.24 kg/l) and it is virtually impossible to drown. The atmosphere in the Dead Sea region is also unique – the high level of atmospheric pressure causes higher density of oxygen while the ultraviolet radiation is weaker than elsewhere.

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