The Planet’s most incredible locations were created by nature! These “natural wonders” sustain diverse ecosystems. Today’s featured natural wonder: the Dead Sea (Sea of Salt)!
DEAD SEA
🌍 Landlocked salt lake located in Jordan Rift Valley.
🌍 Deepest hypersaline lake in world with shores that are lowest point on Planet’s surface.
🌍 Surface 430.5 m (1,412 ft) below sea level, 304 m (997 ft) deep, with salt concentration over 33% (almost 10 times saltier than oceans) so humans float in it! Also discharges asphalt, which was used in Egyptian mummification.
ECOSYSTEM
🌍 No macroscopic aquatic organisms (e.g., aquatic plants and fish).
🌍 Supports unique, complex, vibrant ecosystem in surrounding areas (e.g., oases and mountains).
🌍 Wildlife species include:
🐐 Ibex, Leopard, and Hyrax
🐦 Over 300 species, like Stork, Pelican, and Honey Buzzard
THREATS
❗Shrinking quickly.
❗Falling water levels leave behind salt deposits and are followed by groundwater level changes with resulting sinkholes.
❗Efforts underway to reduce recession and stabilize water level.
DEAD SEA
🌍 Landlocked salt lake located in Jordan Rift Valley.
🌍 Deepest hypersaline lake in world with shores that are lowest point on Planet’s surface.
🌍 Surface 430.5 m (1,412 ft) below sea level, 304 m (997 ft) deep, with salt concentration over 33% (almost 10 times saltier than oceans) so humans float in it! Also discharges asphalt, which was used in Egyptian mummification.
ECOSYSTEM
🌍 No macroscopic aquatic organisms (e.g., aquatic plants and fish).
🌍 Supports unique, complex, vibrant ecosystem in surrounding areas (e.g., oases and mountains).
🌍 Wildlife species include:
🐐 Ibex, Leopard, and Hyrax
🐦 Over 300 species, like Stork, Pelican, and Honey Buzzard
THREATS
❗Shrinking quickly.
❗Falling water levels leave behind salt deposits and are followed by groundwater level changes with resulting sinkholes.
❗Efforts underway to reduce recession and stabilize water level.