By Mark Orwell
The Dead Sea is located between Israel and Jordan and has been an important body of water for thousands of years. It is a hypersaline lake, meaning it has a very high concentration of sodium chloride, much more than ocean waters. Its variety of minerals makes it popular for alternative health remedies and for use in various cosmetics.
History
During biblical times, the Dead Sea was known as a retreat for King David. Later, it became the world's first health resort (around 27 BC) and its contents are still used for health reasons to this day. Today, tourists from across the Middle East, Europe, and the rest of the world visit here to float in the sea and visit various mineral bathhouses.
Geography
The Dead Sea is in the Middle East, with Israel to its west and Jordan to its east. The Jordan river flows into it, along with a number of smaller tributaries. The closest major cities to the sea are Jerusalem and Tel Aviv.
Health Research
Bathing in the Dead Sea is being researched because of its possible health benefits. This includes its ability to treat asthma, chronic obstructive lung disease and cystic fibrosis.
Life
The Dead Sea has more than eight times the amount of salt present in the world's oceans. Because of this, animal and plant life cannot live here, thus its name. Some bacteria and fungi have been able to survive, though.
Composition
The Dead Sea contains not just sodium chloride, but also large quantities of minerals, such as potassium chloride, magnesium chloride and calcium chloride. The high sodium chloride content makes it easy for people to float on the water. The buoyancy of the water makes swimming difficult, and the water could sting the eyes.
Size
The Dead Sea is 67 kilometers long and, at its widest point, 18 kilometers across. It is also the deepest hypersaline lake in the world, with its deepest point measuring 422 meters below sea level.
About the Author:
In the summer of 2003, Mark Orwell began his career as a freelance writer focusing on popular culture, music, and film. He continues to write on a broad array of topics from Miami, Florida. His work has been available in the United States, the Caribbean, and South Africa.
