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The Dead Sea is really a lake and is the lowest point on dry land on the planet at 1,378 feet below sea level and the deepest salt lake at 1,083 feet, rating even saltier than an ocean. It sits between Israel and Jordan. It is 42 miles long and 11 miles wide with its main waterway being the Jordan River. Floods from the Red Sea some three million years ago helped form the Dead Sea. Little rainfall makes the area arid and has very little pollution. The Dead Sea is called “dead” because there are no living organisms or fish other than some tiny bacteria that live in the lake.
In Hebrew the name of the lake is “Sea of Salt” or “Sea of Death”. It has also been called the “Eastern Sea”, Sea of Arava”, “The Sea of Lot” and the “Sea of Zoar”. Its popularity has spanned hundreds of thousands of years dating back to King David who used the lake as a sanctuary from his enemies. Herod the Great sought the lake as a health spa. The salts of the lake were used to embalm mummies and the potash was used for fertilizers.
There are certain health benefits to the waters and surrounding area of the Dead Sea. Those who suffer from respiratory ailments find that they feel better because of the increased amount of atmospheric pressure found around the lake. There is less pollen and a reduction in ultraviolet rays also in this area. In addition those that are plagued by psoriasis find that sunning near the Dead Sea and the actual salt for the lake helps their skin to heal.
Although the Dead Sea has no visible life, the surrounding area is teeming with wildlife. The nearby mountains are home to camels, ibex, hares, jackals, foxes and leopards. Nature reserves have been created in the surrounding area of the lake. |
