March 10, 2006

The Dead Sea teems with riches

Lowest spot on earth has safest sun tanning

By Donna H. Eliason
Staff Writer

My husband Ed, son Peter and I followed the path down to the Dead Sea with great anticipation.

Ed Eliason enjoys the therapeutic mud from the Dead Sea, which as been known to have healing effects for skin diseases. Photos by Donna H. Eliason

At the water’s edge our Israeli guide said, “Face the shore and back slowly into the water. When your knees are covered, squat down, lean back and float. Don’t let the salt get in your eyes.”

Since childhood, we heard about the lowest place on earth, the Dead Sea, which is l,292 feet (the deepest section is l,339 feet) below sea level. In comparison, the lowest place in North America is California’s Death Valley, which is 282 feet below sea level.

Because the Dead Sea is so low, it’s the safest place on earth to get a suntan since the atmosphere blocks dangerous sunrays.

My sandals provided some protection from the sharpness of the stones and salt deposits, but I could still feel each one. Continuous waves lapped around my feet as I inched in the cool January water. A lady next to me said, “You ought to be here in the summer when the air smells like sulphur.”

“Come on. It’s great once you get in,” said Peter, who was floating within seconds. I revised the directions and leaned back to float when the water reached my waist. What fun and so relaxing.

This was one of the highlights of our six-day whirlwind tour of Israel.

It’s five times saltier than the ocean
Floating is easy because the Dead Sea is 23-28 percent salt and other minerals, which makes it about five times saltier than the ocean. The rapid water evaporation is caused by the air’s heat. Natural salt sculptures are found along the southern shore.

The local lifeguard said at least twice a week he rescues people thrashing in the water, either because of salt burning in their eyes or lost footing. He said, “Non-swimmers can’t drown as long as they keep their heads up.”

The entire Dead Sea is 47 miles long and 9 miles wide, equaling 360 square miles or 230,000 acres. Variables are the rainfall and seasons.

Scientists believe there was a massive earthquake
Scientists believe the Dead Sea was formed about two million years ago after a massive earthquake. The water lies within a deep fissure forming the border between Israel and Jordan. It’s part of an extensive geological fault known as the Great Rift, which goes from Lake Victoria in Africa up to Syria. Our guide said this was equivalent to the distance between New York City and San Francisco.

“The Dead Sea is appropriately named because it doesn’t have an outlet,” our guide said. The Jordan River and several tributaries replenish it, but neither fish nor much organic life can live there.

Both Israel and Jordan benefit from the commercial value of the Dead Sea’s extracted minerals, such as chlorine, bromine, sulphate, sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium. These mineral concentrations are found in vast quantities that increase with the water’s depth. They’re used in fertilizers, chemicals, cosmetics, etc. for domestic use and exports. Soaps and cosmetics made from the Dead Sea minerals are known internationally.

History surrounds the Dead Sea
In the distance loom the barren steep cliffs of Masada rising l,300 feet above the Dead Sea. Here in 73 A.D., Jewish patriots made their last desperate stand against the legions of Roman soldiers. Today it stands as a symbol of bravery and commitment.

A panoramic view of the Dead Sea, which is 47 miles long and 9 miles wide, stretching to the borders of both Israel and Jordan. The Dead Sea is 23-28 percent salt and other minerals, which makes it about five times saltier than the ocean.

Near here are also the high desolate caves of Qumran, where in l947 two Bedouin shepherd hunting for missing goats, discovered ancient Old Testament manuscript scrolls stored in clay jars. These Dead Sea Scrolls are now studied by scholars in museums.

A mud bath can be therapeutic
After floating for the suggested 15 minutes, we disguised ourselves with black mud from the piles along the shore. If a reason was needed for playing in the mud, we could rely on its therapeutic value, especially with skin diseases.

Before plunging into indoor hot mineral springs, we scraped the mud off in an outdoor shower. The word “plunging” applied only to Ed and Peter.

I entered gradually. As the Dead Sea water was cold, this was roasting hot, which made prickly sensations on my skin. Once in, we paddled around, laughing with the other tourists until our tour guide pointed to his wristwatch. It was time.

The Dead Sea is dead, in terms of fish or much organic life, but it’s certainly alive to commerce, history and tourists.