The Dead sea

Background

The Dead Sea ( Hebrew: יָם הַ ‏‏ מֶ ‏ ּ ‏ לַ ‏ ח ‎ , Y?m Ham-Melagh, "Sea of Salt"; "Dead Sea") is a salt lake between the West Bank and Israel to the west, and Jordan to the east. It is said to be the lowest point on Earth, at 420  metres (1,378  ft) below sea level; its shores are actually the lowest point on dry land, as there are deeper points on Earth under water or ice. At 330m deep (1,083 feet), the Dead Sea is the deepest hypersaline lake in the world. It is also the world's second saltiest body of water, after Lake Asal in Djibouti. With 30 percent salinity, it is 8.6 times saltier than the ocean. Israeli experts say it is nine times saltier than the Mediterranean Sea (31.5% salt versus 3.5% for the Mediterranean). The Dead Sea is 67 kilometres (42 mi) long and 18 kilometres (11 mi) wide at its widest point. It lies in the Jordan Rift Valley, and its main tributary is the Jordan River. The Dead Sea area has become a major center for health research and treatment for several reasons. The mineral content of the waters, the very low content of pollens and other allergens in the atmosphere, the reduced ultraviolet component of solar radiation, and the higher atmospheric pressure at this great depth each have specific health effects. For example, persons suffering reduced respiratory function from diseases such as cystic fibrosis seem to benefit from the increased atmospheric pressure. Sufferers of the skin disorder psoriasis also benefit from the ability to sunbathe for long periods in the area due to its position below sea level and subsequent result that many of the sun's harmful UV rays are reduced. Furthermore, Dead Sea salt has been found to be beneficial to psoriasis patients.

Sites and attractions in the Dead sea

The Dead Sea has strong Biblical connections: the salt mountain range of Mount Sodom, located on the southwestern shores of the sea is, according to the Bible, the site of the sinful city that perished alongside Gomorra.

The Dead Sea Scrolls, the oldest Biblical documents known to be in existence, were discovered at Qumran, a restored archaeological site in the north.

Masada, the magnificent mountaintop fortress of King Herod is also located on the Israeli shores of the Dead Sea.

Minerals found in the Dead Sea are known around the world for their healing qualities, and are distributed around the world under the name Ahava Cosmetics. Many come to the dead sea to bathe in mineral rich mud, which is considered to have many medicinal benefits. Its natural properties make it a prime centre for spa treatments and relaxation therapies, and there are a number of resorts in the area.