Dead Sea

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section with a depth of only 4-6m/13-20ft and a larger northern section up to 433m/1,421ft deep.

The main inflow of water into the Dead Sea comes from the Jordan. It has no outlet, but in the hot climate of the area (annual mean temperature over 25°C/77°F) the rate of evaporation is so high that hitherto the water level has remained almost constant. In recent years, however, so much water has been diverted from the Sea of Galilee that the inflow of water into the Dead Sea from the Jordan has been reduced and the water level has fallen. As a result the northern and southern sections are now completely separated by the peninsula. The reduced inflow of fresh water means that the salt content is becoming even higher. In order to compensate for the loss of water it was planned to construct a canal from the Mediterranean to the Dead Sea, passing through the Gaza Strip; but there have now been second thoughts about the plan, and it is being considered whether water could be brought in from the Red Sea.

Scenery

A trip to the Dead Sea is undoubtedly one of the great experiences of a visit to Israel. At many points round it, particularly in the southern part, where the salt content is even higher than in the northern part, there are bizarre salt rock formations rising high above the water. As a result of the high rate of evaporation there is usually a veil of mist over the lake and the surrounding desert.

Bathing in the Dead Sea

A no less unusual experience is a dip in the Dead Sea. It is almost impossible to dive into the water, and it is perfectly possible to read a newspaper while floating on the surface. The best publicly accessible beaches are at En Boqeq and En Gedi. It is advisable when bathing in the Dead Sea to avoid immersing your eyes, nose or mouth; and after bathing a shower is essential to wash off the sticky salt water.

Biblical tradition

The salt landscape at the south end of the Dead Sea, with its salt caves, was the scene of the story of Sodom and Gomorrah, destroyed by fire and brimstone for their vices. On Abraham's intercession God spared only his nephew Lot and Lot's two daughters, who went to Zohar (to the west of the Dead Sea) and then to a cave in the hills, where the two sisters became pregnant by their father and bore Moab and Ben-ammi, progenitors of the Moabites and the Ammonites (Genesis 19). Above a salt cave near present-day Sedom (Sodom) is a pillar of salt, said to be Lot's wife.

Spa treatment

The water of the Dead Sea has not only the highest salt content in the world but also the highest mineral content, with an extraordinarily high concentration of bromine, magnesium, potassium and iodine. The air is also extraordinarily dry (maximum humidity in summer 35%) and pollen-free. The healing powers of the Dead Sea were already recognized in ancient times: it is said that Cleopatra "took the cure" here, and both Aristotle and Pliny the Elder refer to the beneficial effects of the water. In our own day numbers of people come to the Dead Sea seeking alleviation or cure for skin diseases like psoriasis, neurodermatitis, chronic eczema and parachroma, bronchial disorders and rheumatism of the muscles or joints. In recent years En Boqeq and Newe Zohar in particular, with their hot springs, have developed into popular spas. Visitors who go to one of the Dead Sea resorts for the treatment of certain diseases have a prospect of an improvement in their condition - though this can, of course, be judged only by a doctor in a particular case - but prospective patients should be aware that spa treatment is not all pleasure. With the prevailing high temperatures the solar treatment which is frequently prescribed can be trying for many people, and the entertainment facilities, particularly for the young, are very limited indeed.

Industrial uses

The asphalt deposits which from time to time are washed up from under the Dead Sea were already exploited by the Egyptians and Nabataeans. Nowadays the Dead Sea Works at the south end of the Dead Sea extract potash and bromine from the water.