SUNDAY’S SPECIAL SPOT WATER SERIES – DEAD SEA

In the second week of the Water Series we will head over to the Dead Sea. Named so due to the exceptionally high content of salt that results in animals being unable to thrive in the area. Marine and plant life are unable to inhabit it as well with only a few microscopic organisms that can call it home. The Dead Sea’s surface is also the world’s lowest elevation at 423 m/1388 ft below sea level. The high salinity of its waters allows a person to float effortlessly on its waves. In fact, it is one of the saltiest water bodies in the world and has over 8 times more salt than our oceans. This natural buoyancy intrigues visitors and they are often photographed floating on their back while reading a newspaper. The rich mineral content of the muddy shores are believed to have therapeutic effects. It is certainly a place where you can enjoy playing in the mud.

The Dead Sea is bordered by Israel and Jordan. Both countries have tours and access to the Dead Sea with relative ease.

Photo credit: “Ein Bokek. Dead Sea. Israel. 06” by Staselnik – Own work. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons.