Dead Sea in Danger

The Dead Sea, the saltiest body of water of the earth and wonderful natural treasure, is becoming smaller and smaller because of decisions by people to use part of its waters.

The Dead Sea is located at the lowest point of the earth, almost 400 meters below sea level. It is 50 kilometers long. Just 40 years ago it stretched 80 kilometers in length.

One of the main reasons for the sea’s shrinking is lack of water. 90 % of the waters that flow from the Jordan River, which traditionally goes into the Dead Sea, is taken for drinking and agriculture in Israel and Jordan.

Besides, local industry adds to the Dead Sea’s problems. They use the water for getting necessary minerals. It’s real disaster for the Sea.

Now hundreds of thousands of tourists come to the Dead Sea every year. Its water is so salty that a man can read a newspaper comfortably while lying on his back on the water. The water contains a lot of sulphur, and the thick black mud that is found at the sea’s beach is very useful for people with skin diseases. Tourists treat bodies with the black mud, but they don’t think about the Dead Sea’s troubles.
It can be saved -but time is running out.

Interesting Facts
When U.S. fighter jets flew near the Dead Sea, which is below sea level, then, when passing the zero point, all electronics will be cleared and they were turned over, thinking that fly from the other side of the Earth.

Mineral content in water reaches 33%, an average of 28% (compared to the Mediterranean Sea - 4%). The Dead Sea is one of the most saline lakes in the world along Lake Assal in East Africa (almost 35%) and Lake Elton in the Volgograd region (20-50%).

Reasons for this environmental disaster:
1. Economical use of water previously flowing into the Dead Sea;
2. Pumping of groundwater;
3. Climate change.