10 strange facts about one of the natural wonders - the Dead Sea

Weather of Arabia - The Dead Sea is located on the border between Jordan and Palestine, and it is one of the most interesting natural phenomena on earth, and apart from some microorganisms and some algae, this saltwater lake is completely devoid of life, as there is no in or around its waters. Seaweed, fish or any other creatures, and here we show you more interesting facts about the Dead Sea, which you may know for the first time.

1. The Dead Sea is one of the most saline bodies of water on earth

The Dead Sea contains about 10 times more salt than regular sea water. This is because the Dead Sea is a closed lake to which water flows from one of its main tributaries, the Jordan River, and the water does not exit from it except through evaporation.

The area is characterized by hot and dry conditions, which leads to the evaporation of large amounts of water, and this leads to an increase in the concentration of salt and other minerals, as it is estimated that there are about 37 billion tons of salt in the entire Dead Sea.

2. The largest free spa on earth

The high content of salts and minerals in the Dead Sea means that this water body has powerful healing properties, so the Dead Sea is a popular destination for treating skin problems such as acne, psoriasis and cellulite, as well as muscle aches and arthritis.

Therefore, the Dead Sea is the largest free spa on Earth, attracting tourists and locals alike. And if you want a little more specialty, you'll find plenty of treatments at the hotels and spas along the shores of the Dead Sea.

3. The use of Dead Sea water for healing since ancient times

Herod the Great, who ruled from 37 to 4 BC, built one of the world's first health resorts on the shores of the Dead Sea. Cleopatra also loved the Dead Sea and used its products as part of her beauty regime, and ordered the construction of cosmetic factories on the shores of the Dead Sea.

4. Experience floating easily on the waters of the Dead Sea

The high levels of salt in the Dead Sea water means that people can easily float on its surface due to its natural buoyancy. Feeling swaying on the surface of the Dead Sea like pieces of cork is not only a fun-filled experience, but a great way to relax and see the most important attractions in Jordan.

5. The lowest point on earth

Besides extreme salinity, the Dead Sea is famous for being the lowest point on Earth. Its surface is about 423 meters below sea level.

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6. The lowest river in the world flows into it

The Jordan River, known for its wide fame and distinctive geography, flows into the Dead Sea. It flows in the Great Rift Valley, and flows in a geological depression, making it the lowest river in the world.

7. The possibility of sunburn is reduced

The potential for sunburn in the Dead Sea is lower than in other places, due to its location below sea level where harmful UV rays are filtered through three natural layers. These include the extra atmospheric layer, the evaporation layer over the Dead Sea, and the thick ozone layer (but it is still recommended to apply sunscreen).

8. The Dead Sea was home to one of the most important discoveries in modern archeology

In 1947, the Dead Sea Scrolls (also known as the Qumran Caves Scrolls) were found in 11 caves in the Qumran Valley near Khirbet Qumran on the northwestern shore of the Dead Sea. The manuscripts aroused the interest of researchers and specialists in studying the text of the Old Testament, because they date back to the second century BC and the first century BC.

9. The ancient Egyptians used some of its materials in mummification

An unusual feature of the Dead Sea is that it spews material from deep seeps to its surface. This material was a source for use by the ancient Egyptians in the mummification process.

10. The Dead Sea area is rich in oxygen

Due to the low area of ​​the Dead Sea, the air there contains 8% more oxygen than the air that most of us breathe, which contributes to giving you a wonderful sense of joy and health. The Dead Sea is characterized as the easiest place to breathe in the world. Other respirators will find comfort in the Dead Sea.

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The Dead Sea is shrinking at an alarming rate

While the Dead Sea is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Jordan, it is disappearing at an alarming rate. Its surface level is dropping by more than one meter every year, mainly due to the “occupation” diverting the waters of the Jordan River into which it flows, but an agreement was signed in 2015 to invest $9 million to stabilize the water level. So there is definitely some hope for preserving this natural wonder.