V I R T U A L T O U R • I S R A E L • The Dead Sea Interesting place! In addition to its being the lowest place on earth, 423 meters (1388 feet) below sea level, there are many other interesting facts and figures about the Dead Sea region, which has been important to mankind from ancient times until the modern day. Facts and Figures about the Dead Sea The Dead Sea is the second saltiest body of water in the world after Lake Assal in Djibouti, Africa. The salt concentration in the Dead Sea is 33.7%, compared with the salt concentration in the Mediterranean Sea, which is between 3.5% and 3.9%. The high salt content is what makes possible the unique floating experience enjoyed by bathers in the Dead Sea. Geographic Figures and Facts The Dead Sea is located at the deepest point in the Great Rift Valley, which extends from Syria to Mozambique. The Great Rift Valley is the worlds longest geographic phenomenon – 6,400 km (4000 miles), crossing through 20 countries. The Dead Sea is considered the connecting point between the desert and settled land in the Middle East. Bird Facts and Figures Each spring and autumn some half a billion migratory birds fly over the Great Rift Valley. Many birds live in the Dead Sea region all year round, including the Arabian Babbler (Turdoides squamiceps), the social behavior of which led to the discovery of the handicap principle. Production Facts and Figures Potassium, manufactured from the Dead Sea, is the chief fertilizer enabling agricultural growth in many countries around the world, including third world countries. Agriculture in the Dead Sea region makes up some 50% of the local economy. The date palm is one of the oldest crops in the Dead Sea region. The region contains some 250 hectares (618 acres) of date palms. Another Dead Sea region crop is basil, which also finds its way to Italian markets. Some 80% of the agricultural output of the Dead Sea region is intended for export and meets European and international standards.
Posted on: Tue, 19 Nov 2013 10:17:57 +0000