The Dead Sea
The Dead Sea, actually a saltwater lake, at 1,302 feet (397 m) below sea level is the lowest point on the surface of the earth. Located between Israel and Jordan, it is more than six times saltier than the ocean. The Dead Sea is dramatically shrinking; its chief tributary, the Jordan River, is being heavily tapped by neighboring countries. Tourists continue to flock to the shores of the Dead Sea, seeking the water’s mineral-rich curative powers.