Dead Sea: The Clock is Ticking...

A name that contradicts. Characteristics that fascinate. And a future that, unfortunately, looks very bleak. More on that later.

I first came across the name ‘Dead Sea’ at the naïve age of eight. Suitably terrified and impressed, I proceeded to tell my friends that my father regularly went for dips there, braving adverse temperatures and a bevy of monsters demonic enough to make Frankenstein proud.

Had I actually bothered to read about the Dead Sea, I would have realized there was no need for tall tales to impress my mates.

A Deceptive Name

First things first: the Dead Sea isn’t a ‘sea’ at all. It’s actually a lake straddled between Israel and Jordan and the reason why it’s called ‘Dead’ is that the high salt content in the waters (about 34 per cent) accounts for a virtually non-existent aquatic life. Slightly less spectacular than acid pools and mythical sea-monsters but still...

Of Floaters and Floor Depths

But the real reason why tourists flock to this place is to experience the ‘floating phenomenon’. You don’t need life jackets to keep you buoyant; the high saline density does that for you. The water and minerals in the mud also have therapeutic properties, making the Dead Sea the world’s largest spa.

If having a misleading name and truckloads of salt wasn’t enough, the Dead Sea also happens to be the lowest point on Earth. At 423 metres below sea level, you could literally say you’ve hit rock bottom.

Dead Sea Through the Ages

But the real fascination the Dead Sea holds is in its story. Around three million years old, it has been mentioned by several historical figures, including Aristotle and Cleopatra (who apparently built a spa near the place so she could chill there).

The rare minerals found in it were – and still are – used for industrial, cosmetic and medicinal purposes. In fact, back in the day, products from the Dead Sea were used to make those charming mummies we all know from Ancient Egypt.

No story, however, is complete without a tinge of mystery.

Recent Discoveries

In 1947, a number of Hebrew papyrus texts called the ‘Dead Sea Scrolls’ were discovered by a team of archaeologists. A select team of experts was allowed access to these scrolls, which are believed to date back to 300 BC and contain ancient biblical texts—the kind that would inspire Dan Brown to write another bestseller about suave Harvard professors and secretive organizations.

However, let’s not dwell in the realm of conspiracy theories and return to solid facts.

A BBC report in 2001 warned that the Dead Sea may disappear by 2050. Reason: A bunch of countries (which shall not be named here) are so busy squabbling over river rights and diverting the water for industrial development that they are allowing the Dead Sea to, well, die.

But it is still here, for now, reminding us with each gurgling wave just how fascinating nature can be.