Dead Sea facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Dead Sea
A view of the sea from the Jordanian shore with the hills of the West Bank in the background
Dead Sea Location in Jordan Show map of Jordan Dead Sea Location in Israel Show map of Israel
Location	West Asia
Coordinates	31°30′N 35°30′E / 31.500°N 35.500°E / 31.500; 35.500
Lake type	Endorheic Hypersaline
Native name	البحر الميت  (Arabic) ים המלח  (Hebrew)
Primary inflows	Jordan River
Primary outflows	None
Catchment area	41,650 km2 (16,080 sq mi)
Basin countries	Jordan, Palestine (Israeli-occupied West Bank), Israel
Max. length	50 km (31 mi) (northern basin only)
Max. width	15 km (9.3 mi)
Surface area	605 km2 (234 sq mi) (2016)
Average depth	188.4 m (618 ft)
Max. depth	298 m (978 ft) (elevation of deepest point, 728 m (2,388 ft) BSL [below sea level], minus current surface elevation)
Water volume	114 km3 (27 cu mi)
Shore length1	135 km (84 mi)
Surface elevation	−439.78 m (−1,443 ft) (2025)
1 Shore length is not a well-defined measure.

The Dead Sea is a very salty lake located in the Middle East. It is bordered by Jordan to the east, and by the West Bank and Israel to the west. This unique lake is known by many names, including its Arabic name, al-Baḥr al-Mayyit, and its Hebrew name, Yam hamMelaḥ.

The Dead Sea is famous for being the lowest place on Earth that is on land. Its surface is about 439.78 meters (1,443 feet) below sea level. It is also the deepest hypersaline lake in the world, reaching about 304 meters (997 feet) deep.

Imagine water almost ten times saltier than the ocean! That's the Dead Sea. Because it's so salty, it's very dense, which means you can easily float on its surface. This extreme saltiness also means that most plants and animals cannot live there, which is why it's called the "Dead Sea."

For thousands of years, people have visited the Dead Sea. It was even one of the world's first health resorts. People used its natural resources, like asphalt for Egyptian mummification and potash for fertilisers. Today, many tourists still come to enjoy its unique waters and the surrounding areas.

Sadly, the Dead Sea is shrinking quickly. Its surface area has become much smaller over the years. Scientists and governments are looking for ways to help protect this amazing natural wonder.

What's in a Name? Exploring the Dead Sea's Many Titles

The English name "Dead Sea" comes from Arabic, Greek, and Latin words. It refers to how few living things can survive in its super salty water.

Throughout history, people have called it by different names. Some old English names include the Salt Sea and Lake Asphaltites. The name "Lake Asphaltites" came from the asphalt that floated on its surface, which was important for ancient trade.

In Hebrew, the most common and oldest name is Yām HamMelaḥ, which means "Sea of Salt." The Bible also calls it the Sea of Arabah and the Eastern Sea. In Arabic, it's known as al-Bahr al-Mayyit, or sometimes the "Sea of Lot." This name comes from a biblical story about Abraham's nephew, Lot, and his wife, who was said to have turned into a pillar of salt.

Ancient Roman historians also called it the "Jewish Sea." All these names tell us about the Dead Sea's long history and its unique features.

Where is the Dead Sea? Exploring its Location and Landscape

A satellite view showing the Dead Sea east of the Mediterranean Sea.

The Dead Sea is a salt lake in the Middle East. It is surrounded by Jordan to the east and by the West Bank and Israel to the west. It's an "endorheic" lake, which means water flows into it, but no rivers flow out.

This special lake sits in the Jordan Rift Valley. This valley was formed by the movement of huge tectonic plates deep within the Earth. It's a place where the African Plate and the Arabian Plate meet and slide past each other.

Water Sources for the Dead Sea

Many streams and rivers feed into the Dead Sea. The most important one is the Jordan River, which flows from the north. Other sources include:

• The Arava Stream from the south
• Wadi Mujib and Wadi al-Hasa from Jordan
• Wadi Darga and Nahal Arugot from the West Bank and Israel
• Small springs and rainfall

A "wadi" is an Arabic word for a river valley that might only have water after it rains. "Nahal" is the Hebrew word for the same thing.

Sadly, much of the water from the Jordan River is now used for farming and other needs. This means less fresh water reaches the Dead Sea.

The area around the Dead Sea is very dry, like a desert. It gets very little rain each year. This is because the Judaean Mountains block the rain clouds. On the southwestern side of the lake, you can see a tall formation made of salt called Mount Sodom.

How the Dead Sea Was Formed: A Look at its Geology

The Jordanian shore of the Dead Sea, showing salt deposits left behind by falling water levels.

Scientists have different ideas about how the Dead Sea became so low. One idea is that it's part of a huge crack in the Earth's crust, like an extension of the Red Sea Rift. Another idea is that the Dead Sea basin formed because of a "step-over" where two tectonic plates slide past each other.

Ancient Lagoons and Salt Deposits

Millions of years ago, during the late Pliocene and early Pleistocene epochs, the area that is now the Dead Sea valley was covered by water from the Mediterranean Sea. This created a long, narrow bay called the Sedom Lagoon.

Over time, this lagoon dried up and filled with thick layers of rock salt. These salt deposits can be as thick as 2.3 kilometers (1.4 miles) in some places, like under today's Mount Sedom.

The Birth of the Dead Sea

Eventually, the connection to the Mediterranean Sea closed off. The Sedom Lagoon became a landlocked lake. Because of the hot, dry climate, a lot of water evaporated. This caused the lake to shrink and become much saltier.

Over thousands of years, other ancient lakes, like Lake Amora and Lake Lisan, formed and changed in this valley. The Dead Sea is the last remaining part of these ancient, salty lakes.

Why the Dead Sea is So Salty

A NASA photo showing the deep basin of the Dead Sea. The Mediterranean Sea is on the right.

The water levels and saltiness of these lakes changed a lot due to Earth's movements and climate changes. As the climate became drier, Lake Lisan shrank and got even saltier, eventually becoming the Dead Sea we know today.

The Dead Sea's water level has gone up and down dramatically over thousands of years. These changes were likely caused by shifts in climate and possibly by earthquakes.

The Dead Sea's Unique Climate

The Dead Sea region has a hot desert climate. This means it's sunny almost all year round with very dry air. It gets less than 50 millimeters (2 inches) of rain annually.

Summers are very hot, with average temperatures between 32 and 39 degrees Celsius (90-102°F). Winters are mild, with averages between 20 and 23 degrees Celsius (68-73°F).

Because the Dead Sea is so far below sea level, the air pressure is higher. This means the air has slightly more oxygen than at sea level. The large body of water also helps to keep temperatures more moderate, especially in winter.

The Chemistry of the Dead Sea: Why it's So Salty

Halite deposits along the western Dead Sea coast.

With 34.2% salinity (in 2011), the Dead Sea is one of the world's saltiest bodies of water. It's much saltier than the ocean, which is why it's so easy to float!

The salt in the Dead Sea is different from regular ocean salt. While ocean water is mostly sodium chloride (table salt), the Dead Sea has a lot of magnesium chloride, calcium chloride, and potassium chloride. It also has the highest concentration of bromide ions on Earth.

Floating and Asphalt

A person floating easily in the Dead Sea while reading a newspaper.

Because of its high salt concentration, the Dead Sea water is very dense. This creates a strong natural buoyancy, allowing people to float effortlessly. It's a fun and unique experience for visitors.

Another unusual feature is the natural asphalt that sometimes rises from deep within the lake. Ancient Egyptians even used this asphalt for mummification.

Health Benefits and Therapies

The Dead Sea area has been a place for health and wellness for a long time. Its unique environment offers several potential benefits:

• Mineral-rich water: The water's special mineral content is thought to be good for the skin.
• Clean air: The air has very little pollen and other things that can cause allergies.
• Special sunlight: The sunlight here has less harmful ultraviolet radiation, which can be helpful for skin conditions like psoriasis.
• Higher air pressure: Being so far below sea level means the air has more oxygen, which can help people with breathing problems.

Many people visit the Dead Sea for different therapies, like bathing in the mineral-rich water or using Dead Sea mud packs. Some studies suggest these can help with conditions like osteoarthritis and rhinosinusitis.

Panorama of the Dead Sea from the Mövenpick Resort, Jordan

Life Forms: Why it's Called "Dead"

The Dead Sea in the morning, seen from Masada.

The sea is called "dead" because its extreme saltiness prevents most large aquatic organisms, like fish and plants, from living in it. It's a very harsh environment.

However, tiny living things like certain bacteria and microbial fungi can survive there. In very rainy winters, when the salt content drops, a special type of alga called Dunaliella can bloom, sometimes turning the sea red! These algae then feed red-pigmented bacteria.

In 2011, scientists discovered fresh and brackish water entering the Dead Sea through cracks in its floor. Around these cracks, they found many species of bacteria and archaea, showing that life can find a way even in this extreme place.

Communities Around the Dead Sea

There are several small communities located near the Dead Sea. On the Israeli side, these include Ein Gedi, Neve Zohar, and settlements like Kalya. There are also several hotels and resorts, especially at Ein Bokek.

On the Jordanian side, you'll find communities like Potash City and Suweima. Both sides have highways running along the coast, offering stunning views of the lake.

Human History: Stories from the Dead Sea

Ancient Times and Biblical Stories

Mount Sodom, Israel, showing the so-called "Lot's Wife" pillar, made of salt.

People have lived in caves near the Dead Sea since ancient times. The area is mentioned many times in the Hebrew Bible. For example, the city of Jericho is just northwest of the Dead Sea.

The Book of Genesis tells stories about cities like Sodom and Gomorrah being destroyed in the time of Abraham. The Bible also mentions that King David hid from Saul near Ein Gedi.

Prophecies in the books of Ezekiel and Zechariah speak of a future time when the Dead Sea will become fresh and support marine life.

Greek, Roman, and Byzantine Periods

During the time of the ancient Greeks and Romans, the Nabateans controlled trade around the Dead Sea. The Roman historian Josephus wrote about the Dead Sea and its connection to the biblical city of Sodom.

Herod the Great, a king of Judaea, built or rebuilt several strongholds along the western shore. The most famous of these is Masada, a mountain fortress. Another important fortress was Machaerus on the eastern bank.

Some Jewish groups, like the Essenes, lived along the western shore. Many historians believe the community at Qumran was Essene. The famous "Dead Sea Scrolls" were discovered in caves near Qumran in the 20th century. These ancient documents give us a glimpse into life and beliefs from over 2,000 years ago.

The Dead Sea region was also important during the First Jewish–Roman War. Jewish rebels took control of Masada. After a long siege by the Roman army, the defenders tragically ended their lives rather than be captured.

During the Byzantine period (around the 6th century AD), trade across the Dead Sea was common. The remote area also attracted Greek Orthodox monks, who built monasteries like Mar Saba.

Modern Discoveries and Exploration

In the 19th century, explorers like William Francis Lynch mapped the Jordan River and the Dead Sea by boat. Scientists also came to study the unique minerals and climate.

In the mid-20th century, the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls in caves near Qumran brought worldwide attention to the region. These ancient texts are some of the most important archaeological finds ever.

Today, roads run along both the Israeli and Jordanian sides of the Dead Sea, allowing people to visit this incredible natural wonder.

Tourism and Leisure: Visiting the Dead Sea

Ein Bokek, a resort on the Israeli shore.

The Dead Sea has been a popular tourist destination for thousands of years. People come from all over the world to experience its unique properties.

Resorts and Hotels

On the Israeli side, major hotels and resorts are located at Ein Bokek. These resorts offer a chance to float in the salty water and enjoy the mineral-rich mud.

On the Jordanian side, many international hotel chains have opened seaside resort hotels. These resorts are near the King Hussein Bin Talal Convention Center.

Activities and Experiences

Floating in the Dead Sea is a must-do activity. The high salt content makes it impossible to sink, so you can relax and read a book while floating! Many visitors also enjoy covering themselves in the mineral-rich mud, which is believed to be good for the skin.

The beautiful desert landscape and historical sites like Masada also attract many tourists to the region.

Chemical Industry: Harvesting Dead Sea Minerals

View of salt evaporation pans on the Dead Sea, taken in 1989 from the Space Shuttle Columbia.

View of the mineral evaporation ponds almost 12 years later.

The Dead Sea is a huge natural source of valuable minerals. Chemists realized its potential in the early 20th century.

Extracting Potash and Bromine

Companies on both the Israeli and Jordanian sides extract minerals like potash (potassium chloride) and bromine from the Dead Sea water. They use large evaporation ponds to let the water evaporate, leaving behind the salts.

These minerals are used to make many products, including fertilisers, medicines, and cosmetics. The Dead Sea Works in Israel and Arab Potash in Jordan are major producers of these valuable chemicals.

The Shrinking Dead Sea: Environmental Concerns

A gully in Dead Sea sediments, formed by floods as water levels dropped.

The Dead Sea has been shrinking rapidly since the 1960s. Its surface area has decreased significantly, and the water level drops by more than 1 meter (3 feet) each year. In 1930, its surface was 1050 square kilometers, but by 2025, it was only 554 square kilometers.

Why is it Shrinking?

The main reason for this decline is that less water flows into the Dead Sea. The Jordan River, its main source, has been largely diverted for farming and drinking water in the region. Also, the hot, dry climate causes a lot of water to evaporate.

Sinkholes and Their Impact

As the water level drops, the groundwater level also falls. This causes freshwater to dissolve underground salt layers, creating empty spaces. When these spaces collapse, they form large holes in the ground called sinkholes.

These sinkholes are a serious problem along the Dead Sea's shores. They have forced many beach resorts to close down, especially on the western side.

Efforts to Save the Dead Sea

Scientists and governments in the region are very concerned about the shrinking Dead Sea. There have been proposals, like the Red Sea–Dead Sea Water Conveyance project, to bring water from the Red Sea to replenish the Dead Sea. However, this project was officially abandoned in 2021.

Environmental groups are working to raise awareness and find solutions to protect this unique natural wonder for future generations.

Images for kids

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  Pebbles cemented with halite on the western shore of the Dead Sea near Ein Gedi

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  Beach pebbles made of halite; western coast

See also

In Spanish: Mar Muerto para niños

• Aral Sea
• List of bodies of water by salinity
• List of drying lakes
• List of places on land with elevations below sea level
• Mediterranean–Dead Sea Canal
• Benjamin Elazari Volcani
• PEF rock with the Dead Sea level reference line used between 1900 and 1913