The Dead Sea

The Dead Sea is a famous lake in the Middle East. It sits between the countries of Israel and Jordan. It is called the Dead Sea because it is so salty that fish and plants cannot live in it. The water is about ten times saltier than the ocean! The Dead Sea is also the lowest place on land in the whole world.

Why Can People Float?

The Dead Sea has a lot of salt in its water. Salt makes water heavy and thick. When water is heavy, it can hold things up more easily. That is why people float on top of the Dead Sea without even trying. Swimmers can lie back and read a book on the water. It feels like sitting in a big, warm bathtub.

A Special Place

The Dead Sea is shrinking each year. The hot sun dries up the water very fast. Rivers that used to fill it are now smaller. The mud from the Dead Sea is black and full of minerals. Many people come to rub the mud on their skin. They believe it helps them feel better and keeps their skin soft.

Fun Facts

• The Dead Sea is the lowest point on land on Earth, more than 1,400 feet below sea level.
• The water is almost ten times saltier than the ocean.
• No fish can live in the Dead Sea, but tiny germs can survive there.

Did You Know?

The Dead Sea is not really a sea at all. It is actually a lake because it is surrounded by land on all sides!