10 Dead sea facts you didn’t know

10 Dead sea facts you didn’t know

Project Description

Almost everyone knows that The Dead Sea, a salt lake shared between Israel and Jordan, is one of the world’s most unique sites in the world, but did you know these interesting facts about it? Check yourself

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Planning a trip to Israel? You probably won’t miss the Dead Sea. But what do you really know about it? Here are some interesting facts about this natural wonder:

1. Why is it salty?

The Dead Sea’s salinity is 34.2% (compare with the Mediterranean’s 3.5%). It is the fourth saltiest body of water in the world, ranking behind Antarctica’s Don Juan Pond and Lake Vanda, and Djibouti’s Lake Assal. One of the reasons for the high salinity is that the Dead Sea doesn’t pour out. Additionally, the arid desert climate causes evaporation, increasing salinity.

2. Is it possible to drown in it?

Although whoever enters the water immediately floats, you should keep in mind that it is still possible to drown in the Dead Sea. This happens when swimmers get caught in strong winds, flip over and swallowing the salty water. Always make sure to only enter proclaimed beaches, in the presence of a lifeguard.

The black mud of the Dead Sea. Photo by Udi Goren

Relief skin issues with the famous black mud. Photo by Udi Goren

3. Can you dive in it?

Believe it or not, you can also dive in the Dead Sea! It takes unique diving skills, and those who possess them will enjoy spectacular geological salt formations.

4. Why is it called The Dead Sea?

The high salinity means that no life can evolve in the Dead Sea, which gave it the moniker “Sea of Death”. But are there absolutely zero life forms in the Dead Sea? Not exactly. Some bacteria and fungus can survive in these waters.

Why is it called The Dead Sea? Photo by Udi Goren

A finalist in the Seven World Wonders contest. Photo by Udi Goren

5. Does it have other names too?

The Dead Sea has the most names of any other place in Israel. It is known as the Sea of Death, Sea of Salt, Sea of the Arabah, the Primordial Sea, and many others.

6. How low is it?

The beaches of the Dead Sea are located 430 meters below sea surface, making it the lowest place in the world.

Just float, baby, just float. Photo by Udi Goren

Neve Zohar hotel area. Photo by Udi Goren

7. How big is it?

The Dead Sea stretches over 51 KM and is 18 KM from side to side at its widest.

8. Why is it so popular?

The Dead Sea is a popular tourist destination for many reasons, one of which is its medicinal values. The water of the Dead Sea contains 26 beneficial minerals, and the air contains minimal amounts of dust and allergens compared to other places in the world. Apart from dipping in the sea and in sulfur-rich pools in the surrounding spa resorts, many rub themselves with the black mud found at its banks, which is said to relief different skin issues.

Over 18 KM from side to side at its widest. Photo by Udi Goren

Can you dive in it? Photo by Udi Goren

9. Is it one of the Seven World Wonders?

Due to its unique qualities, the Dead Sea was a finalist in the Seven World Wonders contest.

10. Are there any recommended sites to visit around it?

Once you’re in the Dead Sea area, make sure to visit some of the wonderful surrounding sites: Masada National Park, located at the top of a desolate cliff, was the former fortress of King Herod; Mount Sodom is home to some 150 breathtaking salt caves; Qumran National Park is home to the Dead Sea Scrolls; and the Ein Gedi reserve, an oasis of streams, waterfalls and flora.

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