The Dead Sea, also known as the Salt Sea, is a salt lake bordering Jordan to the east and Israel and the West Bank to the west. It’s a hypersaline lake that is truly one of Earth’s unique places. Not only is it the saltiest body of water in the world, but it is also the lowest place on the entire globe, and one of the only bodies of water you can freely float in! Here are 10 amazing facts about this unique place, as well as a video showing what's it like to float in the dead sea. |
1. The surface and shores of the Dead Sea are 423 metres (1,388 ft) below sea level, making it Earth’s lowest elevation on land. |
2. The Dead Sea is 377 m (1,237 ft) deep, making it the deepest hypersaline lake in the world. A hypersaline lake is a landlocked body of water that contains significant concentrations of sodium chloride or other mineral salts, with saline levels surpassing that of ocean water. |
3. With 33.7% salinity, the Dead Sea is one of the world’s saltiest bodies of water. Although Lake Assal (Djibouti), Garabogazköl and some hypersaline lakes of the McMurdo Dry Valleys in Antarctica (such as Don Juan Pond) have reported higher salinities. |
4. The Dead Sea’s unusually high salt concentration means that people can easily float in the Dead Sea due to natural buoyancy. In this respect the Dead Sea is similar to the Great Salt Lake in Utah in the United States. |
5. The Dead Sea is roughly 8.6 times saltier than the ocean. This salinity makes for a harsh environment in which animals cannot flourish (hence its name). The high salinity prevents macroscopic aquatic organisms such as fish and aquatic plants from living in it, though minuscule quantities of bacteria and microbial fungi are present. |
6. 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. |
7. The Dead Sea area has become a major center for health research and treatment for several reasons. The mineral content of the water, 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. |
8. Biblically, the Dead Sea was a place of refuge for King David. It was one of the world’s first health resorts (for Herod the Great), and it has been the supplier of a wide variety of products, from balms for Egyptian mummification to potash for fertilizers. |
9. An unusual feature of the Dead Sea is its discharge of asphalt. From deep seeps, the Dead Sea constantly spits up small pebbles and blocks of the black substance. Asphalt coated figurines and bitumen coated Neolithic skulls from archaeological sites have been found. Egyptian mummification processes used asphalt imported from the Dead Sea region. |
10. The world’s lowest road, Highway 90, runs along the Israeli and West Bank shores of the Dead Sea at 393 m (1,289 ft) below sea level. |
These Photos Could Only Be Taken in India...
India is an enormous, diverse and complex place. Some of the sites you'll see in this fascinating country are unlike those you'll see anywhere else. Take a look
These Buildings Are Surviving Reminders of the Recent Past
What is it about abandoned buildings that makes them so captivating? Perhaps it's because they're stark reminders of what once was. Take a look at these!
The 11 Best Places to Retire to in 2024
Before you is a list of recommended places to retire to in 2024, all of which offer mix of affordable living, quality healthcare, vibrant communities, and diverse cultural experiences.
These Things Will All Happen in the Next 24 Hours
The world is incredibly busy, and doesn't stop moving for anyone. Millions of things happen every second but these 19 things will happen over the next 24 hours.
These Apples Do More Than Keep the Doc Away
This photo collection features 10 of the world's most unique apples. Who knew this was such an interesting fruit?
7 Tips To Stay Safe Online While Traveling
Online Safety Tips for Travelers regarding password security and other valuable tips.
Thailand Never Looked More Enchanting than In This Video...
Never have I seen a video shot with more love for its subject matter. Thailand is indeed one of the most stunning places on earth.
Living in a Medieval Castle Is Nothing Like You'd Imagine
Welcome to one of the most unusual homes in the world - a proper Medieval castle in Germany.
25 Reasons I Can't Wait to Visit South Africa!
This is why you'll pick South Africa for your next vacation!
The World is Full of Unique Places, But These 8 Stand Out
The world is full of intriguing places, some of which are incredibly unique. Here are 8 of the most fascinating ones.
16 Happy Facts to Make Your End of the Year Better
Celebrate the end of the year with these illustrated positive facts.
9 Sites and Sights in the Stunning City of Bratislava
We have listed down nine recommended places to visit in Bratislava, hoping that you get to explore and enjoy everything the city has to offer.
10 Majestic, Ornate Temples in Thailand Worth Visiting
If you're curious to know more, we're talking about the top ten most beautiful and impressive temples hidden in Thailand!
Touch Down in These Incredible Island Airports!
Here are some of the most fantastic island airports that you could be landing in on your next exotic vacation!
Come See the Architectural Wonders of Valencia
We're inviting you to a beautiful tour of one of the most interesting cities in the world, as well as one of the most beautiful.
15 Cheerfully Colorful Towns and Villages Around the World
Take a look at 15 of the most vibrant and cheerful towns and villages around the world and brighten your day!
These 24 Places Should Definitely Be on Your Bucket List
Our world is filled with beautiful places that you should definitely visit. The 24 places in this article should definitely be added to your bucket list!
This Scottish Viking Festival Is a Fiery Sight to Behold
Once a year, an epic Viking festival takes place in the Shetland Islands (170 km north of mainland Scotland). It really is a sight to behold!
The Tyrol Cow Festival - Celebrating With 100,000 Cows!
The Tyrol Cow Festival is an incredible occasion with 100,000 cows!
Cultivating the World's Largest Flower is No Easy Task
Rafflesia arnoldii is the largest flower in the world. And growing it is no easy task.
Every City in the World Needs These Futuristic Innovations
We just discovered these amazingly futuristic things from other countries and wanted to share them with you.
6 Minutes of Magic in the City of Budapest
We invite you on a breathtaking 6-minute journey through Budapest in incredible 8K quality!
14 Small Towns and Cities That Reveal Austria's True Charm
Get to know Austria's lesser-known cities and towns. They may be small but they tell the true story of the beautiful country in their humble and wonderful way.
Winter is Breathtakingly Beautiful in these Magical Towns
These towns are transformed with the touch of snow.
Are These the Most Beautiful Streets in the World?
There's something so charming and beautiful about these streets that are surrounded by trees. Take a look at these stunning streets.
Take a Walk Along the Most Amazing Cliff Paths in the World
Come with us on a walk through some of the world's most spectacular cliff paths!
11 Scenic American Lakes Absolutely Everyone Should See
Everyone ought to know about these magnificent American lakes that offer so much fun and countless beautiful views, we want to visit them all!
10 of the Most Beautiful Places of Worship in the World
Houses of worship are often the most shining example of artistic architecture, and these are the most beautiful examples of that.
Caution! 9 Things You Should Never Do When Flying!
Here are nine things that you should definitely avoid while flying.
8 Fairytale-Like Castles That You’ve Probably Never Seen
Journey through the globe with us and see these 8 stunning palaces as if you were there right now
Chile Has So Many Beautiful Natural Wonders It's Unfair
These photos will show you just why more than 2 million people come to Chile every year.
Learn 42 Different Politeness Rules From Around the World!
Here's everything you need to know about the various principles of politeness that exist in different countries. It's both fascinating and a handy travel tool!
These Murals Change the Way People Look at Hospitals
Italian artist Silvio Irilli adds color to hospitals with his delightful murals.
Experience These 20 Incredible Cities in Just 90 Seconds!
I didn’t know which city I should visit next, so I was blown away by these stunning and informative videos of the world’s 20 top places.
The Best Museums to Visit in the City of London
No trip to London would be complete without visiting some of these well-known Museums, and we have compiled a list of the most recommended ones in this article
Stave Churches Are Among Norway's Most Precious Treasures
Throughout the middle ages, dozens of wooden churches were erected. Today many of them can still be found standing proud in beautiful Norwegian villages.
The Most Exclusive and Extraordinary Hotels in the World
Behold a collection of the most unparalleled and exceptional hotels on Earth, like an underwater hotel, or a hotel made completely out of ice
Garden Envy: Stunning Photos from Fellow Plant Lovers
Soothe your soul with these beautiful gardening pictures shared by people from all over the world.
The World is Full of Wonders, Here are a Fascinating Few...
From the mysterious sailing stones of death valley to red tides, ornage moons and ice circles - our world is full of these bizarre phenomena! Here are 13 of the most interesting wonders of this planet!
Escape From the World to These Beautiful US Hideaways
Did you know that you can escape from the world right here in the United States? Here are 10 beautiful US hideaways to escape to.
Batumi, the Most Charming City On the Black Sea Coast
Read everything you need to know about Batumi and its alluring tourist destinations.
These Genius Ideas Should Be Implemented Everywhere
We can’t believe these genius design solutions actually exist!
9 Ancient Cities Your History Teacher Never Told You About
The world's history is filled with many civilizations that rose and fell, leaving behind ancient cities and a final monument to their legacy. You may have heard of some, but these cities are less-known, yet still as amazing.
The Beauty of Cape Town Is Highly Apparent In This Video
Cape Town is undoubtedly one of the world's most beautiful cities, and this video captures it in the most incredible way. Take a look at Cape Town's beauty.
These Photos Could Only Be Taken in India...
India is an enormous, diverse and complex place. Some of the sites you'll see in this fascinating country are unlike those you'll see anywhere else. Take a look