Why dead sea

The Dead Sea has attracted visitors from around the Mediterranean basin for thousands of years. Biblically, it 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 fertilisers. People also use the salt and the minerals from the Dead Sea to create cosmetics and herbal sachets.

The Dead Sea seawater has a density of 1. More information is available on Wikipedia. Today we feature the Dead Sea, situated between Israel and Jordan, and forming part of the border between the two countries. The Dead Sea is fed mainly by the Jordan River, which enters the lake from the north. While the Dead Sea surely does not house any fish, crabs, or other animals often associated with saltwater, bacteria, archaea, and single-celled algae have all found a way to survive the Dead Sea's extreme environment.

After abnormally rainy seasons, blooms of these microbes can occur. The type of algae that lives within the Dead Sea is thought to remain in a dormant form until unusually large rainfalls lower the concentration of salt in the Dead Sea's surface waters, allowing the algae to bloom. These blooms are composed of a less-diverse assemblage of microbes than the Dead Sea's standard. The microbes that live within the Dead Sea are likely unique to the Dead Sea—and it's unlikely that the same microbes thrive anywhere else on Earth.

Jin, Y. Oren, Aharon. Actively scan device characteristics for identification. Use precise geolocation data. Select personalised content. Create a personalised content profile. Measure ad performance. Select basic ads.

Create a personalised ads profile. Select personalised ads. Apply market research to generate audience insights. Measure content performance. Develop and improve products. List of Partners vendors. By Liz Allen. Liz Allen. Learn about our editorial process. Fact checked by Ben Brandstein. Ben Brandstein is a writer, proofreader, journalist, and podcast producer. Long before soap was invented, ancient Greeks and Romans used mud to clean their faces. They realized that the salt of the Dead sea, and especially Dead Sea black mud contains an especially high concentration of salt and minerals, some of which are small enough to penetrate the pores and nourish the skin.

These minerals are believed to help improve blood circulation, smooth out wrinkles and rejuvenate the skin to promote a healthy glow. We know that the high salinity of water in the Dead Sea makes it very dense and oily, making the experience of swimming in the Dead Sea feel like floating. The temperature of the water is warm year-round, which makes it especially tempting to lay back and float on your back.

If you follow a few basic pointers, it is absolutely safe. Remember to stay hydrated — the weather can be extremely dry and hot.

Also, if you have any cuts or scrapes, they too may cause irritation due to the high salinity of the water. Have you decided to travel to the Dead Sea?

Its beautiful desert environment, its unique healing qualities, and its status as an international wonder all make it a definite stop on your list. Make sure to go during the offseason, as although the weather is pleasant year-round, winters are busy with groups aiming to enjoy the healing benefits of the sun and salt, and summers are filled with local tourists.

There are also plenty of activities in the surrounding areas, so come well equipped to hike, sunbathe, ride, swim, and relax. Most of the Dead Sea is unpopulated, but visitors can find a variety of accommodations at different price levels, on the north and southern shores — from campgrounds to five-star hotels. Most of the Dead Sea hotels are located in the area of Ein Bokek, offering proximity to the beach.

Not all of the Dead Sea beaches are accessible to sunbathers. In the Ein Bokek area, near the hotels, there are several public beaches for an afternoon spent sunbathing. Its unique location, its healing properties, its geological and historical background, and its surrounding ecosystem makes the Dead Sea itself an irresistible venue for tourists in the area. Rent a bike and explore the winding road leading along the shore.

Hop into a jeep for an adrenaline-filled adventure. Explore the nearby caves of Qumran or Ein Gedi springs for a nature hike among hidden waterfalls. Although the Dead Sea may be most famous for its healing qualities, there are loads of fun-packed days to be spent in and about the area. We often think about the Dead Sea as the lowest point on earth, but it has so much more to offer than this simple geographical fact.

Anyone visiting the Dead Sea is sure to hear about Masada , the nearby mountain that was testimony to a heroic rebellion over years ago. After reading more about the famous story behind this piece of history, you will enjoy visiting the top of the mountain, whether by cable car or on foot, to see the remains of the ancient city.

The nearby oasis of Ein Gedi is a meeting of four freshwater rivers and served as a hiding place for King David when he fled from Saul, thousands of years ago. If you need a break from salt and mud and are looking for a refreshing hike lush with vegetation and complete with hidden waterfalls, step into your swimsuit and hiking boots and get ready for a lovely day out in nature.

If you really want to get deep into the geology and science behind the formation of the Dead Sea, read more on the Dead Sea at Wikipedia. Username or Email Address. Remember Me. Lost your password? What is the Dead Sea? Hen September 18, Table of contents: What is the Dead Sea? Where is the Dead Sea located? Is the Dead Sea Mentioned in the Bible? What lives in the Dead Sea? Why is the Dead Sea so salty? Why do you float in the Dead Sea? Is it safe to swim in the Dead Sea? What is so special about the Dead Sea?