The chemistry of the Dead Sea is unlike that of ordinary seawater.
Instead of sodium chloride being the dominant salt, magnesium, potassium, calcium, and bromide are present in unusually high concentrations. These minerals influence not only buoyancy but also the feel and smell of the water. The thick, oily sensation on the skin and the sharp taste in the air are reminders that this is not a place designed for casual swimming. Interaction with the sea requires caution, respect, and awareness of its intensity.Beyond its surface, the Dead Sea tells a story of environmental vulnerability. Over the past century, its water level has dropped dramatically. Diversion of the Jordan River for agriculture and urban use, combined with industrial extraction of minerals and high evaporation rates, has reduced inflow to a fraction of its natural levels. As a result, the shoreline has retreated, and the sea continues to shrink year by year. This decline has transformed the surrounding landscape in visible and troubling ways.
One of the most dramatic consequences of this shrinkage is the formation of sinkholes. As freshwater dissolves underground salt layers left behind by the receding sea, the ground collapses unexpectedly, creating deep craters. These sinkholes have damaged roads, buildings, and agricultural land, posing risks to communities and infrastructure. They also serve as a stark reminder that changes to natural systems often produce cascading effects that are difficult to predict or control.
The environmental challenges facing the Dead Sea have sparked regional and international concern. Because the sea lies across political boundaries, any effort to address its decline requires cooperation among neighboring states. Proposals have included large-scale engineering projects to bring water from distant seas, as well as more sustainable management of local water resources. Each option carries potential benefits and risks, highlighting the complexity of intervening in such a delicate and ancient system shutdown123