Dec 4

Dec 4 "The Dead Sea Fact Sheet" by Christian Bevilacqua

Amideast provides students the opportunity to explore the Hashemite Kingdom through a series of trips across the country. My favorite by far was the excursion to the Dead Sea following a trip to Madaba, Jordan.

Before my experience abroad in Jordan I had already learned about the Dead Sea previously through classes at my university. With this I was very excited to learn more about the Dead Sea from local Jordanians, but time constraints of the trip coordinated by Amideast left us without an official briefing on the amazingness of the natural spectacle!

So, before future Amideast students embark on their excursion to the Dead Sea, read up on these quick facts and photo journals that I have prepared!

Fact 1:

You have a lower risk of getting a sunburn at the Dead Sea than on your normal trip to the beach in the U.S. This is all thanks to the Dead Sea being located at such a low point below sea level, in which the strength of UV rays are lessened. This does not mean do not wear any sun protectant, though!

A large rock on the beach is coated in a white-ish semi-transparent layer of salt. It looks as if it's covered in powdered-sugar icing. — The Dead Sea in Jordan. February, 2023. *Photo credit: Bevilacqua, 2023.*

Fact 2:

The Dead Sea is home to a major archeological discovery for the Abrahamic religions - the Dead Sea Scrolls. In 1947, the Dead Sea Scrolls were found in 11 caves on the northwestern shore of the Dead Sea. These papyrus and metal manuscripts date from around 250 BC to 68 AD. Within them are some of the earliest biblical texts (which you can actually see in the Jordan Museum in Amman!).

A close up of a chunk of hardened salt on the beach. — Crystalized Rock Salt on the Shore of the Dead Sea in Jordan. February, 2023. *Photo credit: Bevilacqua, 2023.*

Fact 3:

The drying (or dying) of the Dead Sea is a common phrase used when discussing the body of water. This is due to the fact that water diversion, extraction, and climate-change induced evaporation is causing the Dead Sea to lose water at an alarming rate. Its surface level is dropping by more than one meter every year, with it being only half the size of what it was a century ago.

Stratified layers of salt, mud, and other sediments from the Dead Sea are shown. — The Mud of The Dead Sea in Between Layers of Salt in Jordan. February, 2023. *Photo credit: Bevilacqua, 2023.*

Fact 4:

The Dead Sea is most famous for being the lowest point on Earth! It is measured to be around 425 meters below sea level.

A smooth triangular piece of solidified salt juts out over the water. — Salt Chunk Along the Shore of the Dead Sea in Jordan. February, 2023. *Photo credit: Bevilacqua, 2023.*

Fact 5:

If you are in Amman during the winter but need a break from the cold, head down to the Dead Sea. Due to the different geographical location within Jordan and lower altitude it is considerably warmer.

A hand holds up a small chunk of stratified solid salt. In the background the Sea stretches into the distance. — Salt Chunk Found Along the Shore of the Dead Sea in Jordan. February, 2023. *Photo credit: Bevilacqua, 2023.*

Fact 6:

Due to high content levels of salt within the water of the Dead Sea water, buoyancy is increased! This will allow you to float with ease while in the water, but beware; the salt makes your skin feel very slimy and may burn if you do not wash it off after getting out! The mud that many people commonly lather all over themselves to get minerals on their skin also holds a lot of salt, so be careful!

Christian is a student at Syracuse University and studied abroad in Jordan on the Amideast Area and Arabic Language Studies program in Spring 2023.