The Dead Sea is considered to be the deepest hypersaline lake in the world and it is about 1083 feet deep. The Dead Sea is around 67 kilometers long and around 11 kilometers wide. It is located between Israel on the east with Jordan and the west bank being located on its western part. The Jordan rift valley engulfs the Dead Sea and the Jordan River is one of the most important and foremost of the tributaries of the Dead Sea . Researches have revealed that in terms of salinity the Dead Sea is nine tomes saltier than the Mediterranean Sea and 8.6 times saltier than the ocean. In fact herein lies the root behind it having attained the name ‘dead sea'. This is because the dead sea's salinity percentage is extremely high, at about 30% and such a high percentage of salt presence has not facilitated the growth of any kind of aquatic plant or organism though certain minor forms of fungi and bacteria are found, hence the name dead sea. The dead sea is known by various names worldwide like Lake Asphaltites in Greek, al-Bahr al-Mayyit in Arabic, Yam ham-Melah in Hebrew meaning the ‘sea of salt'. Apart from the various physiological features which make the Dead Sea a significant geographical location, there are several historical reasons due to which this region is equally noteworthy in the pages of history. According to the Holy Bible, this was the location where King David had sought refuge in times of antiquity. Moreover, it was here that the first of the world's health resorts was built exclusively for the mighty Herod the Great. The region adjoining the Dead Sea is also known to provide various ingredients like potash for fertilizers and even balms which aided the Egyptians considerably in the process of mummification and the conservation of mummies.



The shore of the Dead Sea is noted to be the lowest dry place in the world and here the ultraviolet radiation is quite low with abundance of oxygen due to high barometric pressures. The weather is sunny and clear all around the year and average rainfall is around 50mm. it is also popularly believed by many that the mud of the Dead Sea is useful in the preparation of cosmetics and also has therapeutic effects. The mineral components which comprise the waters of the Dead Sea also provide various health benefits and thus extensive health research is carried out in the region. Various birds and animals are found in the Dead Sea area.