Lowest place on earth is 10 times saltier than seawater
At ~410m below sea level, Dead sea is the lowest place on earth. Dead sea is fully surrounded by Jordan on one side and Israel on the other with the internationally boundary dividing the sea into almost perfect halves. The sea is not connected with any other water body and is more like a lake. The water is abnormally salty, with the salt content is in excess of 31%, making it so buoyant that it is impossible for a human to sink. As a comparison, it is almost 10 times saltier than seawater. Plants and animals cannot survive in its highly saline water and hence the term ‘dead sea’.
The mud has therapeutic properties
But the water also contains a high level of other minerals, such as magnesium, potassium and bromine. The water, and the black mud found along the shoreline is extremely good for the skin, and is believed to improve circulation and reduce joint pains.
It is a strange feeling to float on water
I stayed in a resort on the shoreline with private access to the Dead sea. When I first stepped into water, I was tentative! But the theory was absolutely right. I floated on my back, on my side, tried a few yoga positions…all worked! Best to get into water after applying the black mud on the body. It washes off in the water. The skin and the hair felt so smooth after floating in the water. I don’t have joint pains (as yet) and hence cannot comment if one finds relief but overall I did feel great.
Even the water in the resort was amazing. I have travelled to several countries but nowhere have I come across hotel water that that is so soothing on your body. I actually carried the mud and seawater back home and used it for few months.
Few precautions are needed
Few precautions are in order – avoid getting the water into you eyes. Wear sandals if possible – touching the sharp grains of crusted salt on the floor with bare feet can be painful. In fact, men are advised not to shave though I think this is bit of an overkill.
Only the pillow is missing… Sunset at the Dead sea, Jordan
Dead sea may disappear sooner than you think
The Dead sea has been receding over the years. The surface area has shrunk by 30% in the last 20 years. The sea bed, with salt crystals, was clearly visible on the shoreline as I drove on Jordan Valley highway along Dead sea towards Petra. The area receives scanty rainfall and Jordan river, the only river that flows into Dead sea, has reduced flows due to building of upstream dams. The Jordanian government is believed to be looking at options to increase water levels, but if nothing works, the Dead sea will dry up in few decades.
So don’t waster any more time and plan you visit to the Dead sea sooner, rather than later.
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