An introduction to the Dead Sea

The Dead Sea, located between Israel and Jordan with parts in the West Bank, is a salt lake in south-western Asia. Also called the Sea of Death, Salt Sea, and Sea of Lot, the Dead Sea is the lowest waterbody on Earth, with the lowest elevation on land. The Dead Sea’s water is about 10 times saltier than normal ocean water.

What led to its formation?

Ages ago, a saltwater lagoon was connected to the Mediterranean Sea. The movement of the African and Arabian tectonic plates shifted the land between the Dead Sea and the Mediterranean rose. Consequently, this cut-off the ocean water supply for the Dead Sea, thus leaving it landlocked. The sea is fed by the waters of freshwater springs and aquifers and, due to lack of outflow, water gathers in the Dead Sea and then evaporates in the hot desert, leaving behind salt.

Is the Dead Sea really dead?

The answer is apparently yes! You can expect not to find birds, fish or plants in and around the Dead Sea due to its inhospitable cobalt-blue waters, 1412 ft below sea level.

A sea where you won’t drown

The rocks and sand shimmer at the water’s edge here due to the presence of crystalline sodium chloride. At this point, amidst the hills of Judea and the Jordan Mountains, visitors come to float and enjoy the healing properties of the Dead Sea. People also cover their bodies with the Dead Sea mud mask before sunbathing, to allow their bodies to absorb the hyaluronic acid and other minerals present in the clay.

No water sports here

You won’t find any motorboat, other water vehicles or even rolling waves at this place. Nonetheless, the pristine landscape and the quiet ambiance makes the Dead Sea appear like a destination on some utopian planet.