Dead Sea facts
Ten Interesting Facts about the Dead Sea
What actually enables us to float on the water’s surface in the Dead Sea, and why is there such a strong smell?
Here are some interesting things to know about the Dead Sea:
1.
It is very difficult to sunbathe at the Dead Sea. Since the Dead Sea is so far away from the sun, the intensity of the rays are is less powerful in its vicinity. Therefore, if you are counting on getting a Mediterranean tan, it is better to sunbathe at the Mediterranean. On the other hand, like everywhere hot and shady, it is still important here to use sunscreen to block out dangerous ultraviolet rays.
2.
The Dead Sea is very healthy for skin diseases. The combination of low humidity, minimal radiation, and other weather-related factors make the Dead Sea region a cure for skin diseases such as psoriasis, and respiratory diseases. This is precisely why you can find in almost every hotel on the seaside a solarium – a compound where visitors can expose themselves to the sun’s rays in an enclosed place with air conditioning.
3.
In the Dead Sea it is very difficult to drown (but not impossible). The high salt content in the Dead Sea water makes the water denser and so our bodies are made more buoyant and able to float easily. But if you put your head in the water, and then flip your feet up, the danger of drowning is almost unavoidable.
4.
The smell!!!! The Dead Sea and surrounding springs contain extremely large quantities of minerals. The minerals are very healthy, but the large amount of sulfur, combined with clays emitted from the sea, creates a very unpleasant odor (which is reminiscent of rotten eggs).
5.
Salty Fish!!! The high salinity in the Dead Sea water was formed from by a combination of standing water plus the dissolving of the soil and rocks in the area into the water. The Dead Sea is fed by water running into it from the Jordan River, but doesn’t go anywhere else. In the years when the Sea of Galilee overflowed its banks, and the Degania Dam was opened, many fish embarked on a downstream journey that they did not know would end very bitterly, that is to say – very salty! When they reached the Dead Sea they became salted fish. And no, it’s not advisable to try it at home … just because of the following…
6.
What is the difference between salty and bitter? If you’ve never tasted Dead Sea water, you probably think the flavor is salty. But that is not true at all! The Dead Sea waters are bitter! Very bitter! Why? Simply because of the huge amount of salt it contains, the salty flavor reaches a level that our sense of taste cannot cope with, and makes it actually taste bitter…
7.
This sea is actually a lake! It’s very nice to call it the “Dead Sea” but if you look at the dictionary definition, it is in fact a lake – a body of water surrounded by land that has no connection to the ocean. But there is no doubt that saying “Dead Lake” will not sound as impressive, so we will stick with “Sea” …
8.
Can you please embalm someone? The Dead Sea was a health destination even during King Herod’s time. It was the source of all the oils, mud and other materials used to embalm bodies in ancient Egypt.
9.
Warm…hot…and hotter… The springs emanating from the Dead Sea are of varying degrees of heat, so even in winter they are really fun to dip into. But watch out! Some are capable of reaching temperatures up to 42 degrees Celsius (107 Fahrenheit)!!!! That is definitely very hot and it is best to test the hot springs with your foot before jumping in.
10.
The Sea of Death??? The Dead Sea earned its name due to its environment, which makes it very difficult for animals, and even plants, to exist. On the other hand, the minerals, the unique weather and the healing properties have also made the Dead Sea a life-affirming place, and especially attractive to tourists.
Now that you know how to be cautious, feel free jump to the Dead Sea!
Those were 10 facts about the Dead Sea. for more information about the dead sea follow next link: dead sea information
