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Is the Dead Sea dead?

Posted on July 27, 2007 • By Deena Levenstein
Category: Tidbits Leave a Comment

Did you know that Israel’s Dead Sea is the lowest place on earth and the second saltiest natural body of water in the world? The Dead Sea is a salt lake with Israel to the West and Jordan to the East.

Facts about the Dead Sea:

1. No macroscopic organisms (like fish) can survive the salinity of the Dead Sea. But there are tiny quantities of bacteria and microbial fungi.
2. The shores are the lowest altitude of dry land on Earth at 420 meters below sea level (1,378 feet).
3. 8.6 times saltier than the ocean, it is the worlds second saltiest body of water. Lake Asal in Djibouti has the highest salinity.
4. The Hebrew name, “Yam HaMelach”, means “sea of salt”.
5. Because of its low altitude, it is one of the healthiest places in the world to sun bathe, with reduced ultraviolet rays.
6. The Dead Sea is currently receding at approximately 1 meter per year. Read here about discussions regarding possible solutions to this problem.
7. As a result of the high density water in the Dead Sea, anyone can easily float in it.
8. Black pebbles of asphalt are constantly shot up from the Dead Sea. After earthquakes pieces as large as houses have been found.
9. People come from all over the world to experience the health benefits of the water, minerals, mud and sun of the Dead Sea.

For more information click here.