The Dead Sea is located in a deep rift valley known as the Jordan Rift Valley. This valley is the result of tectonic activity that began about 20 million years ago. As the African and Arabian tectonic plates moved apart, the land sank, creating the deep basin that now holds the Dead Sea. The valley was connected to the Mediterranean Sea but became separated due to further tectonic movements.
2. Why is the Dead Sea so salty?
The Dead Sea is one of the saltiest bodies of water in the world, with a salinity of around 34 percent. This is because it has no outlet, so the salts that enter the sea from the surrounding rivers and streams cannot escape. As the water evaporates, the salt concentration increases.
3. What is the Dead Sea known for?
The Dead Sea is renowned for its high concentration of minerals, which are said to have therapeutic properties. These minerals include potassium, magnesium, and bromide. The Dead Sea is also known for its high density, which makes it difficult to sink in the water.