Dead Sea (Meaning and Explanation)

We explain what the Dead Sea is, what the climate is like, the flora and fauna of this place. Also, the importance of its salts and minerals.

The Dead Sea is used by Israel and Jordan to extract salts and minerals.

What is the dead sea?

The saltwater lake located in the depression of the Jordan River valley between Israel and Jordan is known as the Dead Sea. His name in Hebrew is Yam Hamelach and in Arabic al-Bahr al-Mayyit.

The Dead Sea receives water from several tributaries, among which the Jordan River (its main tributary) and the Yarmouk River stand out. Unlike other lakes, it has no effluents, that is, rivers or streams that flow into other bodies of water.

Its lack of drainage is one of the reasons why the Dead Sea water is so salty. Because the rivers that flow into it have no outflowthe concentration of minerals in water increases over time, resulting in the accumulation of salts and minerals.

The Dead Sea region is extremely hot and dry, resulting in high levels of evaporation. As the water evaporates the dissolved minerals and salts become more concentrated, the salinity of the water increases.

Why is it called that? Due to its high levels of salinity, there is no aquatic life in the Dead Sea (except for a few microorganisms), and that is the characteristic that gives it its name.

The Dead Sea is used by Israel and Jordan to extract salts and other minerals of commercial and industrial value through controlled evaporation processes of its waters. It is also a global tourist attraction and a site of historical importance in the region, as it is mentioned in the Bible and other ancient texts such as The book of Kings or the Dead Sea Scrolls.

How was the Dead Sea formed?

The Dead Sea is located on a tectonic trench, that is, a depressed area of the crust that extends from the Jordan River Valley in the north to the Gulf of Aqaba in the south, along the extent of the boundary between the African and Arabian plates.

Characteristics of the Dead Sea

Vegetation adapted to salinity and aridity predominates in the Dead Sea region.

Among the main characteristics of the Dead Sea the following stand out:

Location and dimensions. The Dead Sea is located in the Middle East, between Israel and Jordan. It has a length of 67 kilometers and a width of 18 kilometers, and is located 430 meters below sea level. It is the deepest non-ocean place on Earth, with a maximum depth of approximately 300 meters.
Climate. The Dead Sea climate is extremely hot and dry all year round. Maximum temperatures can reach 45 °C during summer and minimum temperatures around 20 °C during winter. Precipitation is scarce and occurs mainly during winter.
Flora and fauna. Due to the extreme salinity levels, there is practically no life in the Dead Sea. Only halophilic microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi and algae can be found in its waters.
Chemical properties of water. The salt content in the Dead Sea is around 34.2%, much higher than that of the oceans, which is around 3.5%. In addition to salt, Dead Sea water contains other minerals such as magnesium, potassium and calcium, which gives it healing and therapeutic properties. High salinity also causes the density of water to be greater, which makes bodies float easily. Due to its high salinity it is considered both a lake and a sea.
Medicinal properties of water. The waters of the Dead Sea are known to have medicinal and therapeutic properties due to their high concentration of salts and minerals. These properties have been shown to help treat skin conditions, such as psoriasis, acne, and dermatitis. They are very effective in treating rheumatic diseases and respiratory problems. Additionally, it is believed that bathing in the Dead Sea can improve blood circulation and relieve stress.

Environmental problems in the Dead Sea

The Dead Sea is currently in a critical environmental situation due to a series of problems that have arisen in recent decades. The most significant in environmental terms are:

Reducing water level. The level of the Dead Sea has been steadily declining in recent decades due to the reduction in the amount of water flowing from the Jordan River. This is largely due to the excessive use of water for agricultural and industrial purposes by the State of Israel and Jordan.
The pollution of its waters. The Dead Sea is increasingly polluted due to the discharge of wastewater and inadequate treatment of waste produced by mining activities that extract salts and minerals from its waters.

History of the Dead Sea

The Dead Sea is a place of great historical and religious importance. According to the Bible, the cities of Sodom, Gomorrah, Zeboim, Segor and Adma were located on the shores of this lake. It is also mentioned in biblical writings as a place where King David found refuge and extracted salt for trade.

Although no archaeological remains have been found from these cities, the manuscripts found in caves near the Dead Sea are proof of human presence in the region for thousands of years.

During the Roman period, the Dead Sea became a major center of salt production, and the region was a site of conflict and conquest between the major empires of the time. In the Middle Ages the region was ruled by different peoples such as the Ottomans and the Mamluks, and the Dead Sea continued to be an important salt center.

Since the end of the First World War, the Dead Sea area was occupied by British forces. In 1948, after the end of World War II, the area came under the control of the State of Israel.

The Dead Sea Scrolls

dead sea - manuscripts — The Dead Sea Scrolls date back to around 250 BC. C. and 66 AD. c.

In 1947, some 900 manuscripts known as “the Dead Sea Scrolls” or “the Qumran Scrolls” were found on the shore of the Dead Sea. They were found inside some caves, and it is believed that they date back to the years 250 BC. C. to 66 AD. c.

Tourist attractions

Some places of tourist importance in the Dead Sea region are:

The caves of Qumran. It is the site where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered. They are located about 20 kilometers south of the city of Jericho.
The Ein Gedi Nature Reserve. It is a location of springs and hot springs. It is located about 15 kilometers north of the Dead Sea.
Masada National Park. It is one of the most important archaeological sites in the State of Israel. It is located about 20 kilometers southwest of the Dead Sea.
Ein Bokek. It is a tourist and hotel town. It is located on the shores of the Dead Sea.

Economic importance

The mud found on the shores of the Dead Sea is used in skin treatments.

The Dead Sea is of great economic importance to Israel and Jordan, mainly as a source of minerals. The exploitation of Dead Sea salts and minerals is an important industry in the region. These minerals are used for the cosmetic industry, chemical manufacturing and agriculture.

There is also a significant tourism industry in the area, driven by the popularity of the Dead Sea as a health and wellness destination, due to the healing properties of its waters and mud. Additionally, the Dead Sea is a place of cultural interest for its nearby historical and religious sites, such as Masada and Jericho, which attract visitors from all over the world.