The Dead Sea
DEAD SEA GEOGRAPHICAL FACTS
Situated at 1,388 ft (423 m) below sea level, the Dead Sea is the lowest and deepest point on earth.
The Dead Sea was geologically formed 3 million years ago when a small fracture occurred amidst the Jordan rift valley. Sea water rushed in and collected in this fracture. The dry climate and high rate of evaporation gradually increased the concentration of minerals in the water. Salt, chalk and gypsum precipitated all along the length of this fracture eventually resulting in a lake-like formation. This lake eventually ended its relationship with the sea to become an inland lake. Nowadays, it continues to be fed by the Jordan River and numerous mineral springs that pour into it from the adjoining mountains.
This lake has since been named the Dead Sea; called so because no form of life has been able to exist in its salty waters. The Dead Sea has the highest salt content of all the seas in the world. Its salinity is about 33.7% compared to the 3.6% average salinity of the Mediterranean Sea.
LOCATION & CLIMATE
| Location |
40 km west of Amman |
| Humidity |
50% |
| Pressure |
795 mm |
| Oxygen level |
10 times higher than that of any atmosphere. |
| Atmosphere |
Very dense |
| UV rays |
Filtered (low penetration of UV rays = less danger to the body in sunburn conditions).
|
Mineral Content of the Dead Sea
The Dead Sea contains numerous naturally-occurring minerals, including Magnesium, Sulfur, Calcium, Iodine, Bromide, Potassium and Sodium.
BENEFITS OF THE DEAD SEA MINERALS
| Magnesium |
Known for its anti-allergic influence on the skin and promotes healing. |
| Bromide |
Known for its soothing, relaxing and tranquilizing actions on the nervous system.
|
| Iodine |
Necessary for the production of the hormone thyroxin, and is also vital for both energy and cell metabolism.
|
| Sulfur |
A natural disinfectant. |
| Potassium |
A moisture regulator. It also improves the oxidation and regulates the electrical process of the muscles and the nervous system. Asthma patients achieve good results from inhaling the salt vapors.
|
| Calcium |
Necessary in strengthening cell membranes and cleansing the pores.
|
| Sodium |
The Sodium ions remove skin scales and improve its permeability. After penetrating into the skin, they bind the water and generate a feeling of suppleness, ideal for of very dry skin.
|