Dead Sea Is Not a Sea

The famous images of people effortlessly floating on the water (Review)'s surface hint at the Dead Sea's true nature. This incredible buoyancy is due to an extreme salt and mineral concentration of about 34%, nearly ten times that of the ocean. Technically a terminal lake, it sits in a basin with no outlet. The Jordan River and other small streams deposit water and minerals into it, but the only way water can leave is through intense evaporation in the hot desert climate. Over millennia, this process has left behind a super-concentrated, salty brine that is inhospitable to all but a few types of bacteria and fungi, earning it the name "Dead Sea."

Beyond its saltiness, this landmark holds another geographical record as the lowest point on Earth's land surface, with its shores situated about 1,412 feet below sea level. Bordered by Jordan and Israel, it has been a site of historical and religious significance for thousands of years. Unfortunately, this unique body of water is in peril. The diversion of water from the Jordan River for agriculture and drinking water has drastically reduced its inflow. Combined with the high evaporation rates, the Dead Sea's water level is now dropping by an average of three feet per year, causing it to shrink at an alarming rate.