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. |
How Travels Affect Students’ Cultural Perception After College
In an increasingly interconnected world, travel has become more than just a means of leisure; it’s a significant educational experience, especially for students.
6 Minutes of Magic in the City of Budapest
We invite you on a breathtaking 6-minute journey through Budapest in incredible 8K quality!
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 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 Architectural Wonders of Europe Never Looked Better...
Watch as some of the most stunning structures of Europe come alive in beautiful detail.
Discover How Truly Stunning Our Planet Is in 22 Pictures
Our planet is full of wonderful spots. Check out how truly stunning it is in these 22 photos.
Hidden Pearls of Japan: 12 Gorgeous, Little-Known Sights
If you plan to visit Japan, consider visiting 12 of the most charming and peaceful Japanese villages and towns.
Amazing: The 10 Most Enchanting Sea Caves In The World
A visit to a sea cave guarantees sights you won't see every day, so get to know the 10 most beautiful sea caves in the world, which beg to be visited..
15 Underrated National Parks You Need to Explore Next
Yellowstone and Yosemite are just the tip of the iceberg. Check out these underrated national parks now.
Take a Virtual Trip to Australia With An Interactive Guide
Australia is an amazing country that leaves many of us in complete awe for a whole variety of reasons. Take an interactive tour of the country.
These Are 7 of the Most Beautiful Gardens in the World
These must-see gardens from all over are among the most beautiful in the world.
Discover These Stunning Off the Beaten Track Destinations
Europe is home to some of the most famous travel destinations in the world, but it's best explored off the beaten track. Discover 10 hidden destinations.
Aren't Tuscany's Landscapes Absolutely Magnificent?
Tuscany is one of Italy's highlights, take a look at it's stunning countryside here.
Take a Stunning 4K Aerial Tour of Ancient Transylvania
Take an aerial tour of Transylvania, one of Eastern Europe's most captivating regions. You won't regret it!
Austria's Lake District Is Gorgeous Beyond Belief!
I have rarely been as stunned as I was when I saw how beautiful Salzkammergut in Austria is. Visit this amazing lake district in Europe.
18 of the Coolest Little Towns in the Good Ol' US of A
The US is more than Chicago, LA, and New York. For a true taste of Americana, visit these 18 cool towns.
These Step Pyramids are the Most Impressive in the World
Curiously, step pyramids were important to many ancient cultures that constructed them for a variety of reasons. Take a look at some of most impressive ones.
Christian, Jewish or Muslim - Jerusalem is Holy to All
Jerusalem is holy to three religions. Join a beautiful tour of this piece of history.
Wedding Outfits Around the World Are Anything But Boring
Here is a list of 15 of the most grandiose and exotic traditional wedding outfits you will ever see
The Isle of Sky: Fly Above the Emerald Beauty of Scotland
This video takes us, by 4k drone, to a beautiful tour over Scotland.
The Spectacular Story Behind the Creation of Lady Liberty
One of the most iconic creation in all of history, the Statue of Liberty has an interesting story behind it.
28 Places of Humbling Beauty You Can Find In Asia
Asia is a stunning and highly diverse continent with countless locations to explore. It's time for you to see 28 of the most humbling, beautiful places there.
Set Your Eyes on Burano, an Island Bursting with Color
Every corner of Italy has some hidden beauty. Venetian Lagoon island Burano is a gem of an island bursting with colorful houses and tranquil scenery.
20 Gorgeous Routes to Drive On in the United States
America is a land full of open roads and Beautiful things to see. These are the top 20 trips I would definitely recommend you do.
12 Must-See Sights in the Galicia, Spain
Today we will reveal to you what awaits you there and which 12 places should not be missed for those visiting Galicia.
19 Unique & Traditional Ways of Life Around the World
19 unique cultures that managed to preserve their traditions in the 21st century. English photographer Jimmy Nelson travels the globe to meet these unique tribes and brings back incredible photos.
This Man Ran a Marathon Every Single Day of the Year!
Meet Gary McKee, the man who ran 365 marathons in a year!
The Most Unusual Aspects of Life in Germany – 15 Pics
Germany is full of famous and spectacular places. However, these images shoe some of the unique and quirky aspects of life in Germany.
15 Unbelievable Sights to See in Fairy Tale Germany!
In my humble opinion the Germans have far more stunning locations than any of their European neighbors. Look at these fabulous photos of the great wonderland.
I Would Be So Happy in One of These Beautiful Little Towns
When you get out of the big cities and start visiting the small ones, you realize you've missed some of the most beautiful places..
11 of the Most Affordable Beach Vacations Around the World
Looking for a budget vacation this summer? Try these affordable beach trips.
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
Enjoy 21 Stunning Sunrises from Around the World
Sunrises have something mystical about them. They captivate us with their beauty and enamor us with hope. Here are 21 beautiful sunrises around the world.
These Legendary Sites Are Teeming with Mythical Stories
These real-world places have a rich connection to mythology.
History’s Oldest Buildings That Have Stood for Centuries
Here's a look at some of the oldest surviving man-made structures on our planet that have a fascinating past.
7 Cool Alleyways Where Street Art Takes Center Stage
In these cool alleyways, incredible artworks take the center stage.
Nantes, France: 11 Gorgeous Sights in this Unique City
Eleven beautiful and wonderful places in one of the most charming French cities - Nantes.
This Beautiful Palace Appears to Hover Over the Water
When you see this palace, you'll want to stay there at least once in your life. In addition to its exquisite architecture, it appears to float on water.
These 10 Super Island Cities Float Like Brilliant Boats
Some of the greatest cities in the world are actually like magnificent boats. They are islands of civilization and wonder floating in the world's seas.
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.
These Photos of Machu Picchu Are Simply Stunning
Machu Picchu is one of the few places everybody wished to visit, and these gob-smacking pictures show just why.
Winter is Breathtakingly Beautiful in these Magical Towns
These towns are transformed with the touch of snow.
The Uncompromising Beauty of the Southern Pole...
In this video you can see the storm of color that is the Aurora Australis, streaking across the skies of the most southern point on our globe.
Scotland Is One of the Most Beautiful Places on Earth
Scotland, as these 16 photos will prove, truly is a place of remarkable beauty.