Amazing And Interesting Facts About Dead Sea

Dead Sea, contrary to its name, is actually a lake situated between Israel and Jordan, approximately 15 miles east of Jerusalem. Dead Sea is the second saltiest body of water in the world and rests at the lowest point of elevation on earth. Though the Dead Sea is very much ‘alive’, reflecting shimmering pure blue waters, it is called so because the high salt and mineral content in the water, makes it unfeasible for marine life to exist in it. Dead Sea is 8.6 times saltier than the oceanic waters. Historical evidences reveal that the Dead Sea was formed 2 million years ago and, incredibly, still preserves the purity of its prehistoric waters. It is in an area blessed with a warm, sunny climate with low pollution. For many centuries, Dead Sea has been a center for health and well-being. This is because the waters of the Dead Sea comprises of a high degree of minerals that are extremely advantageous to human health.

Amazing And Interesting Facts About Dead Sea

Dead Sea was also popularly referred to as “The Stinky Sea”, centuries ago.
It has a salt concentration of 33%, making it the second saltiest body of water in the world, after Lake Assal in Djibouti. Dead Sea salt is enormously bitter, unlike the table salt.
The water of the Dead Sea is so salty because water flows into the Dead Sea from rivers and streams, but does not flow out. The amount of water that evaporates from it is greater than that which flows into it, making it extremely salty.
Dead Sea is 67 km long and 18 km broad at its widest point, forming one of the smallest seas in the world. It is located in the Jordan Rift Valley and its major tributary is the Jordan River.
The Dead Sea is bordered by the undulating hills of Jerusalem to its west and mountains to its east, making it one of the most picturesque places in the world!
The shoreline of Dead Sea is at the lowest altitude on earth. The shores of the Dead Sea, at 400 meters below sea level, are the lowest points of dry land on earth. The depth of this water body ranges from 3 meters to 397 meters.
In Bible, one can find reference to the Dead Sea both with respect to Jesus and John the Baptist. According to Bible, the Dead Sea will come “alive” one day, with marine flora and fauna.
Although the regions around Dead Sea are thinly populated with tranquility all around, the area is supposed to have been home to five Biblical cities, viz., Gomorrah, Zoar (Bela), Sodom, Zebouin and Adman.
You can easily rest on the surface of the water here, without even trying to float. This is because the high amount of salt keeps you afloat, making your swimming experience truly unique! In fact, Dead Sea is the only water body in the world where you can lie back on the water and read a newspaper!
The Greeks refer to the Dead Sea as ‘Lake Asphaltites’ because asphalt frequently rises to the surface of the water in this salt lake.
Dead Sea experiences a warm, sunny and dry climate throughout the year. In summers, the temperature ranges from 34 to 51 degrees. Average temperatures during winters range between 20 and 23°C.
Dead Sea is bestowed with amazingly low pollution and is gifted with rich minerals such as iodine, calcium, bromide, saline, potassium, etc. These minerals form a part of our bodies.
The gorgeous Egyptian Queen ‘Cleopatra’ was so fascinated by the Dead Sea that she ordered to construct cosmetic factories and resorts along its shores.
The mud and asphalt from the Dead Sea were used by the Egyptians in the mummification of their deceased.
Dead Sea is so ancient that even Aristotle mentioned it in his writings. This water body is as old as dinosaurs, i.e. around 3 million years old!
The “Dead Sea Scrolls” were discovered during the 20th Century which is a compilation of 972 texts from the Hebrew Bible and extra-biblical documents discovered between 1947 and 1956 on the north-western coast of the Dead Sea.
Dead Sea is acknowledged as a significant rehabilitative center for health and well-being. For thousands of years, people from all over the world have gathered at the Dead Sea, to take advantage of the benefits of soaking in its mineral-rich, salty waters. The exclusive salt in the Dead Sea is very useful in treating hives, cellulite, dry skin, acne, muscle aches, dandruff, psoriasis, stress etc. to name a few.
The coast of the Dead Sea is getting developed with hotels, spas, retreats, wellness centers coming up along its shores. It has become a popular tourist destination for spectators who come here to witness the marvelous Dead Sea.

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