The Dead Sea is the largest hypersaline lake in the world located between the West Bank of Palestine to the west and Israel to the east with Jordan to the east. It’s the lowest point on Earth’s surface sitting at 420 meters below sea level.
It’s also the deepest hypersaline lake globally where no birds, fish or plants can survive.
So, why is its water so salty?
The reason is not as simple as it seems. In fact, the Dead Sea receives water from the Jordan River but has no outlet.
In simpler terms, water only leaves the Dead Sea in the form of vapours leaving behind minerals and salt.
As time passes, the amount of salt in the lake increases with an estimate suggesting that the Dead Sea’s water is 9.7 times saltier than seawater.
The process of the Dead Sea becoming saltier has accelerated due to human activities. Construction of dams and diversion of water from the Jordan River has resulted in less water reaching the Dead Sea.
The reduced influx of fresh water to the Dead Sea combined with the region’s temperature and other geological factors leads to higher salinity levels in the water.
How Salty is the Dead Sea?
The Dead Sea is the second saltiest lake globally with its water containing 34% salt.
In comparison, the average salt content in seawater is approximately 3.5% giving us an idea of just how salty the Dead Sea’s water is.
Due to its extreme salinity, objects do not sink in the Dead Sea but instead float on its surface.
Furthermore, the water level in the Dead Sea is decreasing by an average of 1.2 meters per year contributing to its increasing salinity.
Is there any life in the Dead Sea?
The Dead Sea only supports microorganisms, no other forms of life can survive in such highly saline water.
