The Dead Sea is found at the border between Jordan and the occupied territories situated at 1300 ft. (400 m) below sea level- the lowest point on earth. It is 50 km long and with a maximum width of 17 km. It was geologically formed three million years ago when a small fracture happened in the Jordan rift valley. Seawater rushed in and collected in this fracture. The dry weather and high rate of evaporation gradually increased the concentration of minerals to the water. Salt, chalk and gypsum precipitated along the length of this fracture resulting in a lake-like creation. This lake sometimes ended its relationship with the sea to become an Inland Lake. Nowadays, it continues to be fed by the Jordan River and numerous Mineral Springs that dispense into it from the adjoining mountains. This lake has been named the Dead Sea, called so because no form of life has been able to exist in its extremely salty water.
