The Dead Sea may be known as a sea, but it is not one of the most prominent landlocked seas. The saltwater lake shares its border with Israel and West Bank to the West and Jordan on the east.
The Jordan river is the main tributary across this place. The Dead Sea is regarded to be the main hypersaline lakes across Southwestern Asia. Despite being a lake, it is around 9.6 times saltier than that of the ocean, which is one of the main reasons why it is often hailed as one of the saltiest water bodies on the Earth.
Over the years, the Dead Sea has been attracting visitors mostly from the Mediterranean region. The Dead Sea hotels are also one of the best health resorts because of the region’s breath of fresh air. Furthermore, the rejuvenating characteristics of the place have contributed to the rising popularity of the place.
The Dead Sea salinity over time has changed. The hypersaline lake is believed to have formed some million years ago. However, the period of formation has remained debatable. While some claim the Dead Sea formed three million years ago, others claim that the Dead Sea was formed around four million years ago.
What is there salt in Sea and oceans?
The seas and oceans are some of the saltiest water bodies on Earth. The salt in these water bodies results from two sources: runoff from the seafloor’s land and openings.
The hydrothermal fluids from the seafloor vents are also a great source of oceanic salt. Ocean water seeps into the seafloor’s cracks and gets heated up due to magma across Earth’s core, which eventually leads to several chemical reactions. Water loses all essential elements like sulfates, magnesium, and oxygen and attracts metals like copper, iron, and zinc. The heated water carries the metals and finds its way to the ocean and Sea from the seafloor’s vents.
The underwater volcanic eruption also causes sea salts, while the minerals are released into the ocean. Some of the prominent ions found in the oceans and seawater include chlorine, sodium, magnesium, and sulfate, contributing to water’s saltiness. There are other ions as well, but they are found in small amounts.
The salt content of the water body varies depending on precipitation, temperature, and evaporation. The average salinity, as per reports, is 35 parts per thousand. The location and Dead sea history contribute to the fact that the dead Sea salty water.
Since when is the Dead Sea so salty?
With time, the aridness of the Dead Sea region only increased. Lisan Lake, the former name of the Dead Sea, began shrinking with time. Since the Dead Sea was formed some million years ago, the shrinking of it only increased the Dead sea salinity over time.
The Dead Sea salinity per thousand has changed at significant rates since the past. The shrinking of Lisan Lake only made the lake saltier. Hence the last remainder, the Dead Sea, became extremely salty. Some 7000 to 12000 years ago, the level of Lisan Lake was much higher than that of its current level. Hence, it can be said with time; the Dead Sea continued to shrink, which eventually contributed to its hypersalinity.
How Dead Sea salinity changed over the time?
From its first form of being Amora Lake to Lisan Lake to finally, the Dead Sea, the salinity of the Dead Sea has changed depending on tectonic plates’ reaction. The effect of tectonic plates of the valley bottom and climatic variations played an important role in changing the place’s salinity.
The shrinking of Lisan Lake due to climate change eventually resulted in its successor, the Dead sea, to become extremely salty. In the past 10000 years, the lake level has significantly dropped, and today, it is considered the lowest point of Earth. The force of tectonic plates made the salt mounts of Lisan and Mount Sodom increase the Dead Sea salinity level. Hence, the moving of tectonic plates and climate are some of the reasons why is the Dead Sea salty.
Dead Sea Salinity percentage
The Dead Sea is hailed as being one of the saltiest lakes on Earth, but the truth is, it is not. The Dead Sea has a salinity level of around 34% (33.8%, to be accurate). Hence, it falls under the category of salty water bodies on Earth with a salt level in the 30s. Still, the saltiest water body on Earth is Don Juan lake in Antarctica, with a salinity level of approximately 40%.
The Dead Sea is considered ten times salty than that of the Pacific Ocean and the Atlantic Ocean. Although there are several lakes and lagoons with high salinity, the Dead Sea is known as the deepest hypersaline lake. The Dead sea location and surrounding ecosystem are hugely affected by the salinity level of the lake.
How did the Dead Sea become so salty?
The Dead Sea is rich in rocks. The rocks are thus a great source of salt. The salinity level of the Dead Sea is the result of eroding rocks due to rainwater. The rainwater is a great source of acids that eventually produce carbon dioxide combined with water and lead to a mild carbonic acid solution.
The acid breaks down the rock leading to ion formation, enters the Dead Sea via runoff. Sodium and chloride are the most common ions caused due to rainwater. These ions enter the Dead Sea, and the combination of sodium and chloride results in NaCl’s formation (sodium chloride), a healthy salt.
Moreover, the Dead Sea history states that the saltwater lake has shrunk in size. Lison Lake, the former lake, on shrinking led to the Dead Sea’s high salt content. Hence, the tectonic plates’ reaction and shrinking led to increasing the Dead Sea salinity over time.
What is the connection between Dead sea salt level and other minerals in the Dead Sea?
The Dead Sea is extremely popular because of its mud. The Dead Sea minerals and salt content play an important role contributing to its therapeutic and cosmetic properties.
The unique climatic condition of the Dead Sea has made it one of the most climatotherapy regions. The Dead Sea sea bed is an excellent source of rocks and black elements from which the salt is released. Often on the surface of the Dead Sea, one can notice white substances floating. While you may not really know, the white substances on the Dead Sea floating are essential minerals, asphalt.
The constant formation of asphalt on the Dead Sea sea bed and its release has also contributed a lot to increasing the water body’s salinity level. Hence, it can be concluded that the minerals of the Dead Sea are one of the main reasons for its hypersalinity.
Are there religious explanations for the Dead Sea salinity?
The Dead Sea in Hebrew is often referred to as Yam ha-Melah lot, whose translation means Sea of Salt. Situated in the Jordan Rift Valley, this endorheic lake is often considered as a punishment for the people in the Sodom region.
According to Genesis (the first book of the Torah), God wanted to punish the people of Sodom and Gomorrah, who were very bad. Two angels were sent to save Lot, Abraham’s nephew, and his family and then strike Sodom.
After the arrival of the angels, Lot and his family were smuggled out of Sodom and warned not to look back while God rained fire on the cities and brimstone. Despite the warning, Lot’s wife turned her head back, and according to the biblical story, became a salt pillar. There is no further mention of salt, and the Dead Sea is not mentioned at all.
The Dead Sea, being hypersaline, is said not to be useful. Owing to the salinity, the Dead Sea doesn’t have any aquatic plants or animals in it. Moreover, not even aquatic microorganisms survive in it. As the name suggests, it is the Dead end.
Can we use the Dead Sea salt?
The Dead Sea salt is used for different purposes, ranging from being an essential part of the therapeutic and cosmetic aspects. Apart from that, salt is also used in cooking because of all the health benefits it bestows.
If the Dead Sea history is to be believed, then the use of Dead Sea salty water ranges back to the Egyptian civilization. The salt of the Dead Sea had a huge role in enhancing the beauty of the mighty and noble Queen Cleopatra. The magnesium, calcium, zinc, potassium, sodium, and sulfur of the Dead sea salt contribute mainly to its benefits.
Using the Dead Sea salt can bestow several benefits, some of which include the following.
Soothes joint and muscle pain
Taking a hot soak of the Dead Sea, salty water can help relax aching joints and muscles. The Bromide content relaxes muscle cramps, and the anti-inflammatory characteristics help in reducing joint soreness and stiffness.
Retains skin moisture
The Dead Sea salt’s mineral content promotes moisture retention, thereby keeping your skin hydrated throughout the day.
Fights off free radicals
Free radicals can be pretty harmful to your overall health. Using the Dead Sea Salt can help eliminate free radicals from the body, making you look younger and vibrant. The salt has a fibroblast-protecting capacity, which helps to hydrate the skin and make it look refreshed.
Fights off skin conditions
The minerals in the Dead sea salt helps to fight the oxidation of cells and prevents free radicals. You can take a soothing bath in the Dead Sea salty water to exfoliate the dead skin and fight off all the conditions such as psoriasis and eczema. It also helps to remove microbes and allergens, thereby preventing the risk of skin allergy.
The Dead Sea salt is easily available online. You don’t need to visit the Dead Sea to get it physically. A lot of spas offer the therapeutic Dead Sea salt treatment.
If you want to enjoy the therapeutic benefits of the Dead Sea salt water at home, you can soak the salt in a tub. The Dead sea saltwater caters to the skin and hair benefits. Many shampoos have the Dead Sea salt as their main ingredient, which helps prevent scalp scaling and itchiness. The shampoo is also beneficial for fighting scalp psoriasis.
Where can you buy Dead sea salt and products?
As suggested earlier, Dead sea salt and products are available online. Many shampoos and soaps contain the Dead Sea salt as their main ingredient. Products like Voluminous Sea Salt Shampoo and Dead Sea Salt with Coconut Essential Oil Hair Shampoo are some of the most reliable ones to try.
Topically applying these shampoos can help to rejuvenate your hair scalp and fight off the problems. The 100% Pure Dead Sea Salt and Mineral Dead Sea Salt can also serve the purpose perfectly.
If you plan to purchase the Dead Sea Salt online, you can prefer checking Amazon.com and Etsy.com to get your hands on the best products. Moreover, you can also visit the official websites of the products mentioned above to purchase them.
However, the Dead Sea salt and products are also available offline. You can check any nearby spa or shopping Mart to find the best Dead Sea salt and products that can cater to your needs, such as cosmetics and cooking. Make sure to check the contents of the product thoroughly to reap all the benefits.
It is better to purchase Dead sea salt and products online because you can find them easily, and most of them are reliable brands. On the other hand, for offline purchases, you will have to do a lot of research and search across the stores to find the most reliable one.
How engine boat be used in the Dead Sea?
Setting out to explore the vast Dead Sea in an engine boat is something you might not want to do. But, the thrill of it is something beyond the general experiences. So, make sure not to forget to explore the Dead Sea in a motorboat.
Several bookies around the Dead Sea hotels can help you book your trip to explore the salty lake. The Dead Sea exploration on a motorboat is pretty affordable if you book it from the local agents. You may also be able to spot a few wooden boats across the Dead Sea.
The Dead Sea location has been a scene of unique scientific explorations. It is a landlocked lake and not Sea. Due to the receding shoreline, several hotels and resorts have been forced to close down around the waterfront. The drying Dead Sea is an eerie scene that you wouldn’t want to visit.
Are there any life in the Dead Sea?
The Dead Sea is literally dead. Although the climate and atmosphere are favorable, the Dead Sea’s high saline content is one reason why no aquatic organisms can survive in it.
The Dead Sea is extremely rich in salt and has asphalt floating on the lake’s surface. The hypersalinity makes the aquatic ecosystem unbearable for aquatic organisms. The scientists have only found microorganisms on the water body but no aquatic lifestyle. It is one of those water bodies with water flowing in it and not flowing out of it.
But, Biologists since 1930 have claimed that the lake is not yet dead. Despite the salt being extremely salty, the microbes still survive in it. According to biologists, the water contains around 1000 to 10,000 archaea per ml. As far as the Dead Sea history is concerned, during the 1980s and 90s, the Dead Sea did turn red with life blooming in it. Life would appear across the Dead Sea only if the conditions are favorable.
The Dead Sea also houses several freshwater springs, mostly found deep in the craters. The springs can be found in the craters at a depth of 100 feet. The craters themselves are huge, with 50 feet in width and 65ft depth. Although there is no life visible in the Dead Sea, the beautiful geological formations will surely surprise you.
Can the salinity level of the Dead Sea change?
The Dead Sea is considered to be the lowest point on the Earth. With passing time, the Dead Sea is shrinking at a significant rate, making it tough for the people. The Middle Eastern Sun is gradually making the lake shrinking. People living close to the Dead Sea may soon be prone to untimely crises.
The density of Dead Sea seawater is around 1.240 kg/L. However, people, while swimming in it, do not drown, but tend to float on it. Another reason why people tend to float on the Dead Sea is because of its hypersalinity. However, the Dead Sea salinity level is prone to change, but this would completely depend on the conditions.
The saline level of the Dead Sea will change during the times of flood. With time and surrounding conditions, the Dead Sea water salinity can drop from the general 35% to 30% level to even lower. The Dead Sea’s general salinity is approximately 34%, which may drop during floods or when the lake’s water level increases.
However, the Dead Sea is shrinking at a massive rate, contributing to the increase in the salinity level.
Most Interesting Dead Sea Scientific Facts
Although the Dead Sea is considered to be “dead,” there is actually living in it. The lunar-like landscape of the Dead Sea boasts of bathers buoyantly floating on the surface.
The Dead sea floating elements are usually asphalt. The “super buoyancy” of the Dead Sea is one of the main scientific features. The high saline content contributes to the super buoyancy of the Dead Sea. But, that’s not all; there is a range of other scientific facts about the Dead Sea.
Here are these facts:
1. Only bacteria can survive in the Dead Sea
When you visit the Dead Sea, you will not get to see any dolphins, seaweed, or swimming fishes. While this is sad, it is necessary to note that only bacterias can survive in the Dead Sea.
The high level of salt in the Dead Sea makes it impossible for organisms to survive in it. While life is supposed to be active in the Dead Sea some decades ago, in recent times, only bacteria are detected in the Sea. So, the water from the Dead Sea is not fit for drinking.
2. The Dead Sea has powerful healing capacities
The high salt and mineral levels in the Dead seawater contributes to its phenomenal healing capacity. Hence, it can also be called the biggest free spa on Earth. Many tourists visit the Dead Sea to breathe fresh air and treat skin conditions such as cellulite, acne, and psoriasis. Dead Sea water is also beneficial for treating arthritis and muscle ache.
3. You will never drown in the Dead Sea
A person can never drown in the Dead Sea, but rather float. The high salt levels of the Dead Sea contribute to the natural buoyancy, thereby making you float. It’s always a fun experience to float on the Dead Sea like a cork. This makes the Dead Sea one of the best sites to relax around Jordan and Israel.
4. Lesser risk of Sunburn
As compared to other regions, sunbathing around the Dead Sea poses a lesser risk of Sunburn. The Dead Sea location filters the harmful rays of the sun through three natural layers. The ozone layer around the Dead Sea region is pretty thick, which is why there is less risk of sunburns.
Takeaway
No doubt, the Dead Sea is extremely salty, but it can’t be hailed as the most saline water body on Earth. The mud and water of the Dead Sea have rejuvenating benefits. The Dead Sea asphalt is used for the mummification process in Egypt.
Dead Sea history is vast and brings about a lot of things. Researchers and environmentalists are dedicated to protecting the Dead Sea from receding. The Dead Sea is indeed one of the main wonders of the world.
