Dead Sea, Hypersaline lake in Jordan Valley, Israel.
The Dead Sea stretches along the Jordan Rift Valley at 430 meters (1,410 feet) below sea level, making it the lowest point on the surface of the Earth. The water contains so much salt and minerals that no fish or larger plants can live in it, while the shores are covered with white salt crusts.
Romans built trade routes near this body of water in ancient times to transport salt and asphalt, leading to the construction of fortifications along the coast. Later, the region became a retreat for religious communities who sought refuge in the nearby caves.
Visitors from different countries come here to float in the salty water, which does not let anyone sink. At some beaches, people spread black mud on their skin, believing it nourishes and refreshes.
The water contains high concentrations of calcium, magnesium, potassium, and bromine, which industries extract through evaporation pools for commercial purposes. Visitors should avoid swallowing the water or getting it in their eyes, as it burns strongly.
The water level has dropped by 27 meters (89 feet) since 1962, creating numerous sinkholes and forcing coastal facilities to relocate from the retreating shorelines. In some sections, you can still see the remains of old piers now standing far from the water on dry ground.
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