Dead Sea « See The Holy Land Israel/Jordan/West Bank Bathers by the shore of the Dead Sea (© Tom Callinan / Seetheholyland.net) The Dead Sea, which shimmers like a blue mirror under all-day sunshine, is one of the most unusual bodies of water in the world. It is set in the lowest dry land on earth, so it has no outlet. It is so loaded with minerals that no fish can live in it. It is so dense that bathers can lie back on its surface and read a newspaper. The Dead Sea is located about 25km east of Jerusalem , along the border between Israel and Jordan. About half of it is actually in Jordanian territory. The ancient Hebrews called this body of water the Sea of Salt. Other ancient names include the Sea of Solitude, the Sea of Arabah and the Asphalt Sea. The Crusaders called it the Sea of Satan. The Dead Sea’s therapeutic qualities attracted Herod the Great . Its minerals and sticky black mud provided balms for Egyptian mummies and cosmetics for Cleopatra. Now its health resorts treat psoriasis and arthritis, its skin-care products are marketed worldwide, and its industrial evaporation pans harvest potash and other minerals.

Wicked cities were destroyed Pillar of salt, on Jordanian side of Dead Sea, known as Lot’s Wife (© Visitjordan.com) The region has many biblical connections. Here, though their locations are unknown, the wicked cities of Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed by God with “sulphur and fire” and Lot’s wife was turned into a pillar of salt for looking back at the destruction (Genesis 19:24-26). Among the salt encrustations around the sea is an unusual column at the southern end called Lot’s Wife (though it is 20 metres high). On the eastern side, the highest peak visible is Mount Nebo , where Moses glimpsed the Promised Land . Further south stands the fortress of Machaerus , where Herod Antipas imprisoned and then executed John the Baptist. On the western side, from north to south, are Qumran , where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found; Ein Gedi, where David hid from King Saul in a cave (and cut off a corner of the king’s cloak when he entered the cave to relieve himself); and Herod the Great’s fortress of Masada .

Evaporation concentrates the minerals Afloat in the Dead Sea (David Niblack) The Dead Sea is 67km long, 18km across at its widest point, and 420 metres below sea level. Because it has no exit, water is lost only through evaporation, which leaves behind the minerals. The Dead Sea is nearly 10 times as salty as the open seas. The high concentration of minerals (predominantly magnesium chloride) provides the buoyancy that keeps bathers suspended — as well as a bitter taste. A low promontory of land called el-Lisan (“the tongue”) projects across the sea from the east, dividing the southern third from the northern section. At one time the Dead Sea covered four times as much land as it did in 2006, when its surface was falling by up to a metre a year. Much of the water that once flowed into the Dead Sea is being diverted for drinking water and agriculture purposes, so there is not enough to offset the high evaporation rate. Rescue proposals to prevent the sea drying up have included canals to bring water from the Mediterranean Sea or the Red Sea.

If the Dead Sea becomes rejuvenated with fresh water, this could fulfil a prophecy in Ezekiel 47:8-10, that it will “become fresh . . . and there will be very many fish”. In December 2013, representatives of Israel, Jordan and the Palestinian Authority agreed on a long-term desalination project in which brine would be piped about 180 kilometres from Aqaba, Jordan, to replenish the Dead Sea.

Related sites: God destroys Sodom and Gomorrah: Genesis 19:24-26 Prophesy that the Dead Sea will become fresh: Ezekiel 47:8-10 Seashore scene at the Dead Sea (© Tom Callinan / Seetheholyland.net) Afloat in the Dead Sea (David Niblack) Bathers by the shore of the Dead Sea (© Tom Callinan / Seetheholyland.net) Different poses in the Dead Sea (Seetheholyland.net) Dead Sea promenade (© Israel Ministry of Tourism) Sticky black mud from the Dead Sea is believed to have therapeutic qualities (Seetheholyland.net) Lot’s Cave, on Jordanian side of Dead Sea (© Visitjordan.com) Salt deposits in the south of the Dead Sea (© Israel Ministry of Tourism) Mount Sodom at the southern end of the Dead Sea (© Israel Ministry of Tourism) Salt deposits on shore of the Dead Sea (© Israel Ministry of Tourism) Dead Sea from Masada (Seetheholyland.net) Salt formations on the shore of the Dead Sea (© Israel Ministry of Tourism) Dead Sea salt ponds seen from Mount Sodom (© Israel Ministry of

 Tourism) Pillar of salt, on Jordanian side of Dead Sea, known as Lot’s Wife (© Visitjordan.com) Anonymous: “The Dead Sea”, Holy Land, summer 2005 Charlesworth, James H.: The Millennium Guide for Pilgrims to the Holy Land (BIBAL Press, 2000) Dyer, Charles H., and Hatteberg, Gregory A.: The New Christian Traveler’s Guide to the Holy Land (Moody, 2006) Freeman-Grenville, G.

S. P.: The Holy Land: A Pilgrim’s Guide to Israel, Jordan and the Sinai (Continuum Publishing, 1996) Frumkin, Amos: “How Lot’s Wife Became a Pillar of Salt”, Biblical Archaeology Review, May/June 2009 Kershner, Isabel: “A Rare Middle East Agreement, on Water”, New York Times, December 9, 2013 Martin, James: A Pilgrim’s Guide to the Holy Land (Westminster Press, 1978) Murphy-O’Connor, Jerome: The Holy Land: An Oxford Archaeological Guide from Earliest Times to 1700 (Oxford University Press, 2005) Walker, Peter: In the Steps of Jesus (Zondervan, 2006) CATHOLIC ENCYCLOPEDIA: Dead Sea Home > Catholic Encyclopedia > D > Dead Sea Dead Sea Help support New Advent and get the full contents of this website as an instant download . Includes the Catholic Encyclopedia, Church Fathers, Summa, Bible and more  all for only $19.99...

The name given to the lake that lies on the south-eastern border of Palestine. The Old Testament makes frequent reference to it under a variety of titles; once only, however, by its present one. The Vulgate's rendering of Josue (iii, 16) reads, mare solitudinis (quod nunc vocatur Mortuum) translated in the D.V. "the sea of the wilderness (which now is called the Dead Sea)". In the Septuagint the verse reads ten thalassan Araba, thalassan halos, which the A.V. gives thus: "towards the sea of the plain, even the salt sea" and the R.V., "the sea of the Arabah, even the salt sea". In Joel (ii, 20) the prophet speaks of "the east sea"; and the apocryphal Fourth Book of Esdras (v, 7) speaks of the mare Sodomiticum — the Sodomitish Sea. Josephus , Pliny, and other profane writers, among other names, called it the Lake of Asphalt; Asphaltitis limne and Lacus Asphaltites.

The present-day inhabitants of its vicinity call it Bahr Lut — the Sea of Lot. The Dead Sea is the final link of the chain of rivers and lakes that lies in the valley of the Jordan . Taking its rise on the southern slopes of Mt. Hermon , the Jordan in its southern course first spreads out into Lake Merom, emerging from which it flows into the Lake of Tiberias , whence it descends into the Dead Sea. To convey a proper idea of the size and shape of the Dead Sea travellers often compare it to the Lake of Geneva . The resemblance between the two is striking in almost every particular. The great lake of the Holy Land is forty-seven miles long and about ten miles across at its widest part. Its area is approximately 360 square miles. The surface of the water is 1292 feet below the level of the Mediterranean, which is only a few miles to the west. This extraordinary feature alone singles out the Dead Sea from all other bodies of water. A low-lying peninsula about ten miles wide, called el-Lisan, "the tongue", which runs out from the south-eastern shore to within three miles of the opposite shore, divides the sea into two unequal parts.

The northern and larger part is very deep, reaching at one point a depth of 1310 feet. The southern bay is, on the contrary, very shallow, averaging hardly a depth of thirteen feet. In two places it is possible to cross from the peninsula to the opposite shore by means of two fords which are known to the Arabs . The water in the Dead Sea is salt. Every day the Jordan and other affluents pour into it over six and one half million tons of fresh water. There is, however, no outlet to the ocean, and the sole agent whereby this increase is disposed of is evaporation. The power of the sun's rays in this great pit is, however, so intense that save for a small fluctuation between the wet and dry seasons, the level of the sea does not change, despite the great volume that is added to it. In the water that remains after evaporation solid matters make up 26 per cent of the whole; 7 per cent being chloride of sodium (common salt), the rest being chiefly chlorides of magnesium, calcium, and derivatives of bromium. The chloride of magnesium gives the water a very loathsome taste; the chloride of calcium an oily appearance.

The specific gravity of the water is 1.166. The presence of so much salt explains well the weird name of the sea, since save for a few microbes, no organic life can exist in it. Even fish from the ocean perish when put into it. The human body will not sink below the surface. Bathing, however, in the Dead Sea can hardly be styled a pleasure, as the water is very irritating to the skin and eyes. There is, it need hardly be said, no foundation for the statement sometimes made, that birds cannot fly across the water, as occasionally sea-birds can be seen resting on its surface. From time to time large quantities of bitumen rise to the surface from the bottom. Bitumen is also found along the shores and is referred to in Genesis (xiv, 10) where it speaks of the puteos multos bituminis — "many pits of slime". This feature caused the ancients to speak of the sea as the "Lake of Asphalt". The Dead Sea is mentioned in the Old Testament mostly as a boundary.

Its formation comes into discussion in the Book of Genesis (xiv, 3) where, speaking of the kings against whom Chodorlahomor fought, the text says: "All these came together into the woodland vale, which is now the salt sea". According to the geologists who have explored the region, the formation of this depression of the earth's surface does not date from any historical period, but from the later tertiary or early quaternary period. Their theory is that at some remote time the western part of this region, owing to some profound disturbance of the strata, sank far below the eastern part, thus causing the great dissimilarity of the strata of the two sides of the sea. Besides this, the beds of gypsum, marl, flint, and alluvium found at different heights all along the Jordan valley indicate at that one time the entire valley, from the Lake of Tiberias to the Dead Sea, was a lake. Just what were the conditions at the time of the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrha is only a matter of conjecture. But the words of the text, taken as they stand, prove that in the great catastrophe there was an inundation from the sea.

The mooted question as to the sites of Sodom and Gomorrha does not properly enter into this article. It is a very strange sight that this region presents to the eye, especially when seen from some height. On the eastern and western sides great mountains rise up in some places sheer from the water. To the north, the silvery line of the Jordan can be traced as far as the eye can reach. To the south, the hills of solid salt, called Jebel Usdum — Mt. Sodom — and, on a clear day, mountains close to the Red Sea may be seen. Now all is deserted and dead. No vegetation or sign of human occupation greets the traveller. In other days the scene was different. Vessels plied the surface of the sea and many people lived near its shores. The prophecies of Esechiel ( 47 ) and of Zacharies ( 14:8 ) give one subject of thought on the scene here when the life-giving streams pouring forth from the Temple will have transformed it anew. Sodom Caves Sodom Caves The caves of the Salt mountain of Sodom (Sedom), on the west shore of the Dead Sea.

(Genesis 19 26): "But his wife looked back from behind him, and she became a pillar of salt.". Background: The mountains of Sodom are located on the south-west side of the Dead Sea, rising 150-250m above it. The mountains, 11KM long and 2KM maximum width, are made of salt mixed with other minerals. The water penetrates into the salt, creating large cavities. This web page explores some of the caves of this salt mountain, which are associated with some of the Biblical stories - the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, the rescue of Lot, the turning of his wife to a salt pillar, and the cave where Lot hid with his daughters. Location and Map: The mountains of Sodom (Sedom) are located on the south-west side of the Dead Sea, along road #90, as illustrated in the aerial map. They start from the Dead Sea Works plant, and extend 11KM to the north up to Zohar brook. You can point on the yellow squares to navigate to the selected place within this or other pages.

Geological history The Dead Sea is part of the Great Rift Valley (Syrian-African depression), which runs from northern Syria to the South East Africa (6,000 KM long). It started to evolve 25 Million years ago, due to tectonic pressures of plates. At that time the depression, in this section, was covered by Ocean water. Due to the heat and dryness of the area, the water evaporated, and salt accumulated at the bottom of the lake. About 2 million years ago the depression at the area of the Dead Sea was cut off from the Ocean, and a great lake was formed. The accumulation of salt formed a large body of accumulated salt on the bottom of the lake. Over the years, the salt deposits reached to a large size, with a depth of 5-6 kilometers, 8-12 KM wide and 40KM long. Later, other kinds of heavier minerals and rocks accumulated over the layers of salt. Their pressure on the body of the salt caused the salt layers to push sideways. The salt body slid 1-2KM towards the edges, rising above the "younger" rocks on the edge of the cliffs.

Chunks of Dead Sea salt, found on the floor of the sea Mt Sodom is the result of this push west and upwards. Over the years some of the salt melted and washed away, mixing with the rock and creating many cavities and channels that poke the mountain. Biblical times Sodom is mentioned in the Bible in connection to the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19 28): "And he looked toward Sodom and Gomorrah, and toward all the land of the plain, and beheld, and, lo, the smoke of the country went up as the smoke of a furnace". The location of the ancient city is not known, yet in modern Israel the area of Sodom (Hebrew: Sedom) is located on the south-west side. Lot, his wife and two daughters escaped just before the wicked city was destroyed. The angels told Lot to flee to the mountain, and never look back (Genesis 19 23-26): "And when the morning arose, then the angels hastened Lot, saying, Arise, take thy wife, and thy two daughters, which are here; lest thou be consumed in the iniquity of the city.

And while he lingered, the men laid hold upon his hand, and upon the hand of his wife, and upon the hand of his two daughters; the LORD being merciful unto him: and they brought him forth, and set him without the city. And it came to pass, when they had brought them forth abroad, that he said, Escape for thy life; look not behind thee, neither stay thou in all the plain; escape to the mountain, lest thou be consumed". "Flight of Lot" - Drawing by Gustav Dore (French artist, 1832-1883) Lot's wife is looking back to the fire, and turns into a pillar of salt They indeed fled the city, and it was destroyed (Genesis 19 23-25): "The sun was risen upon the earth when Lot entered into Zoar. Then the LORD rained upon Sodom and upon Gomorrah brimstone and fire from the LORD out of heaven; And he overthrew those cities, and all the plain, and all the inhabitants of the cities, and that which grew upon the ground".

Lot's wife ignored the instructions, looked back, and consequently turned into a pillar of salt (Genesis 19 26): "But his wife looked back from behind him, and she became a pillar of salt.". The cities and roads during the early periods are indicated on the Biblical Map below. Map of the area around the south Dead Sea - during the Biblical through Roman periods (based on Bible Mapper 3.0) The city of Zoar is identified on the south-east side of the Dead Sea. This is where Lot avoided to enter during his flight after Sodom was destroyed (Genesis 19 30): "And Lot went up out of Zoar, and dwelt in the mountain, and his two daughters with him; for he feared to dwell in Zoar: and he dwelt in a cave, he and his two daughters". It was probably located at the ruins of Tel Sheikh 'Isa, near the village of Safi.

Zoar is also mentioned in the Bible in connection to the departing of Abraham and Lot (Genesis 13, 10): "And Lot lifted up his eyes, and beheld all the plain of Jordan, that it was well watered every where, before the LORD destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah, even as the garden of the LORD, like the land of Egypt, as thou comest unto Zoar". Zoar, also called Bela, is mentioned again in the fight between the 4 kings of Aram-Naharaim and the 5 kings of the Dead Sea area, here named the "valley of Siddim" or the "Salt Sea" (Genesis 14 2-3): "That these made war with Bera king of Sodom, and with Birsha king of Gomorrah, Shinab king of Admah, and Shemeber king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela, which is Zoar. All these were joined together in the vale of Siddim, which is the salt sea". Modern period Road #90 passes along the shores of the Dead Sea, just under the Mountains of Sodom.

Along the road are several points of interest, and you can easily stop at the side of the road and visit them. (a) Dead Sea The shore of the Dead Sea is located on the east shore of the Mountains of Sodom. In recent years, following the industrial production of minerals by the Dead Sea Works plants, the water level has receded in the southern section, and it looks more like a collection of shallow pools rather than a "Sea". Click on the photos to view in higher resolution... (b) Lot's Wife - "Pillar of salt" Lot and his family fled the doomed city of Sodom. However, the curious wife ignored the instructions ("look not behind thee ... lest thou be consumed"), and consequently became petrified (Genesis 19 26): "But his wife looked back from behind him, and she became a pillar of salt.". The following photo shows a pillar of salt, a vertical section which detached from the salt mountain. It is regarded as the "remains" of Lot's wife. A closer view of the pillar of salt - "Lot's wife": (b) Sodom Cave ("Lot's cave") Under "Lot's wife" section is one of the many caves of the salt mountain.

This cave, or others around it, may have been the hiding place of Lot and his two daughters (Genesis 19 30): "And Lot went up out of Zoar, and dwelt in the mountain, and his two daughters with him; for he feared to dwell in Zoar: and he dwelt in a cave, he and his two daughters.". In the cave, both daughters became pregnant by their drunken father (Genesis 19 36): "Thus were both the daughters of Lot with child by their father". The entrance to the caves is forbidden by the authorities, since they can collapse. Inside the cave, are great forms created by the layers of the salt. Most of the sections of the cave are pitch dark. Another cave is located to the south of Lot's wife. The entrance of the cave leads to a corridor that enters into the depth of the mountain. Inside the cave are remarkable salt rock formations. Inside the cave are tall chimneys, reaching high above the ground, and opening a window to the sky. These were created by the melting of the salt by the water, which drilled down into the mountain.

Since the rain is scarce in this desert region, the salt was not washed away during the thousands of years it stood here above the Dead Sea. The upper section of the chimney is seen in the next photo: Another section of the cave: Earth Snapshot • Mount Sodom July 22nd, 2009 Category: Lakes Dead Sea - June 21st, 2009 The Dead Sea is located between Israel and the West Bank to the west, and Jordan to the east. It is an endorheic lake located in the Jordan Rift Valley, a geographic feature formed by the Dead Sea Transform. This left lateral-moving transform fault lies along the tectonic plate boundary between the African Plate and the Arabian Plate. It runs between the East Anatolian Fault zone in Turkey and the northern end of the Red Sea Rift offshore of the southern tip of Sinai. The Jordan River is the only major water source flowing into the Dead Sea, although there are small perennial springs under and around the Dead Sea, creating pools and quicksand pits along the edges. There are no outlet streams.

Rainfall is scarcely 100 mm (4 in) per year in the northern part of the Dead Sea and barely 50 mm (2 in) in the southern part. The Dead Sea zone’s aridity is due to the rainshadow effect of the Judean Hills. The highlands east of the Dead Sea receive more rainfall than the Dead Sea itself. To the west of the Dead Sea, the Judean Hills rise less steeply, and are much lower, than the mountains to the east. Along the southwestern side of the lake is a 210 m (700 ft) tall halite formation called “Mount Sodom”. The lower section of the sea appears green and crossed by parallel lines; these are the Dead Sea Dikes, extensive salt evaporation pans. Origins of the Dead Sea, Part VII: Mt. Sodom – A Huge Pile Salt – Naturalis Historia So where did this pile of salt come from? Massive Sediment Deposits Lie Under the Dead Sea Valley Floor In this series (see sidebar for links to other parts of this series), I have mentioned that the Dead Sea rift is very deep.

The rift of ancient rocks that once formed a continuous set of strata is now filled with 15,000 feet or more of sediments, most of which have turned to rock. What are the characteristics of these sediments and rock? Some of that rock is rock salt (or halite), but much of it consists of thousands of layers of alternating aragonite (calcium carbonate), magnesium sulfate, gypsum (calcium sulphate) and other salts, along with bands of silicon-rich sediments derived from the erosion of rocks from the surrounding mountains. The composition of these rock layers is best understood as the result of the continuous existence of a hypersaline body of water like the Dead Sea present in the Jordan Valley for hundreds of thousands of years. Today, sediments and salts are brought by water to this terminal basin, and the salts precipitate out of the water and fall to the floor of the lake. Distinct forms of salt (e.g., halite, aragonite) is formed because they precipitate at specific concentrations. So the amount of evaporation and fresh water input into the sea dictates how layers of material will be laid down on the floor of the Dead Sea.

Those layers have been forming one on top of another reaching 10s of thousands of feet thick. Mount Sodom: A Massive Pillar of Salt Numerous research projects have been undertaken to explore the origins of this huge, three-mile long mound of salt. For example, ground-penetrating radar has been employed to “see” 20,000 feet of rock layers below the Dead Sea. This revealed that the roots of Mount Sodom are found in a thick layer of nearly pure halite buried under nearly 10,000 feet of sediments and rock. This thick halite layer represents a time in the early history of the Dead Sea rift when there was a periodic connection to the Mediterranean Sea. Previously we saw that this past connection with the Mediterranean allowed salty ocean water to flow into Dead Sea Valley where water evaporated and salts fell to the bottom of this ancient lake. Later, after becoming disconnected from its sea salt source, layers of sediments and other salt were deposited on top of this salt later. This rock salt is not as strong or dense as other type of rock.

As more and more sediments were deposited on top of the salt, the weight of this overlying material squeezed the halite up through the rock above, until it pushed out above the surface. The typical analogy given is that of soft mud that rises to the surface when heavier material is put into a bucket. The heavier material displaces the lighter, weaker material. These “salt domes,” called diapirs, are found in many parts of the world. Ground radar showing massive salt intrusions and salt dome. Squeezing a thick layer of pure salt up through 10,000 feet of rock is no small task and doesn’t happen overnight. Given the distance the salt has moved and the physical constraints on salt crystal deformation Mount Sodom is likely hundreds of thousands of years in the making. There are other smaller salt domes that still lie buried under the sediments of the Jordan Valley that are still working their way up to the surface. Someday, they will form new salt mountains. With modern technology, we can confirm that Mount Sodom continues to be squeezed out of the ground today.

Satellites show that Mount Sodom rises by a rate of around 3.5 mm per year, despite the general subsidence of the land around it. Biblical timeline and Mt. Sodom As I suggested, Mt. Sodom likely appears today much as it has during the time of the earliest recorded residents in this region. Thus the origin of this mountain, like the Dead Sea, must predate at least the time of Abraham. The geological studies of Mount Sodom tell us that ever since its origin, the region has been exceptionally dry. Why? Because had there been a time when the climate of the Middle East was much wetter, this mountain would have eroded to a far greater extent than it has today. The features of the Dead Sea valley, both geological and climatological, conform well to the observations made in the Bible. The Bible doesn’t tell us anything about how the valley itself originated, but strict 6-day creationists—with their interpretation of Noah’s flood as both a global and geologically transformative event—are forced to conclude that Mount Sodom originated after a global flood, from sediments that the flood deposited.

In addition to the obvious lack of any mechanism to explain why nearly pure rock salt should be laid down in the middle of a global flood, Mount Sodom provides nothing but difficulties for young earth creationists. For these YECs, Mount Sodom’s formation and the formation of its caves must be shoehorned into the very short period of time between the end of the flood (4500 years ago) and the construction of the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, which predate even the arrival of Abraham to the region. Translation: if you believe a young-earth timeline, your hypothesis is that Mount Sodom formed over a period of no more than five hundred years. I used the term “shoehorn” because the data must be wedged unnaturally into this young earth interpretative framework. None of the data would be interpreted this way without a presupposition of a young earth. The layers of salt and sediments, the real-time data proving on-going uplift of Mt. Sodom, the slow erosion of caves in a dry climate–all of these point to processes that have been ongoing for hundreds of thousands of years.

These processes have little or no impact on the historical accuracy of Scripture, unless we assume a global flood occurred 4500 years ago. But, as we have seen in this series, even if we could bring ourselves to consider that such an event happened, we have plenty of geological and biblical data that should make us doubt the global-flood premise. Mt. Sodom looking from the West out toward the Dead Sea. Mt. Sodom is in the foreground.

Image: Wikipedia Dead Sea יָם הַ‏‏מָּוֶת Photo Gallery by Brian McMorrow at pbase.com Jordan Rift Valley - Dead Sea (southern) Interesting white rock formations near the southern end of the Dead Sea, Jordan Rift Valley Intersection of Highway 25 and Highway 90, the lowest road in the world, which follows the western shore of the Dead Sea 19 km to the Dead Sea, 143 km to Jerusalem via Highway 90 Jordan Rift Valley Rocky outcropping with some greenery at a rest area along Highway 90 Turn right for the Sedom Resort Dead Sea Works at the far southern end of the Dead Sea Dead Sea Works - extraction of potash and other minerals via evaporation of Dead Sea water Dead Sea Works, Israel Pipes leading to the Dead Sea Works Minerals recovered by the Dead Sea Works White cliffs along the Dead Sea Mt Sodom (of and Gomorrah fame) and Wadi Perazim The track to Mt. Sodom and Wadi Perazim The track to Mt. Sodom and Wadi Perazim The track to Mt.

Sodom and Wadi Perazim Judean Desert Nature Reserve, Jordan Rift Valley, Southern Dead Sea Left to Wadi Perazim, Right to Mt. Sedom Ami'az Plateau, Judean Desert Nature Reserve, Israel The desert track up to the Mt Sodom lookout Evaporation ponds of the Dead Sea Works to the south of the actual Dead Sea Mineral evaporation ponds produce millions of tons of potash for Israel and Jordan Looking across the Dead Sea Works evaporation pools to Jordan Climbing Mt Sodom Moab Mountains of Jordan named on the information sign at the Mt Sodom overlook Mineral evaporation ponds, Southern Dead Sea View from Mt Sodom Stairs leading up Mt Sodom Mt Sodom ...no problem going up to the view point in a regular car... Mt Sodom lookout Another route up Mt Sodom Cliffs along the southern Dead Sea Cliffs along the southern Dead Sea Israeli naval vessel on the shore of the Dead Sea by Neve Zohar. History?

Israeli gas station, Neve Zohar, Dead Sea En Boqeq Zohar Spa, Dead Sea Leonardo Club, En Boqeq, Dead Sea Leonardo Plaza, En Boqeq, Dead Sea The En Boqeq hotel strip is actually along the evaporation pools, not the actual Dead Sea Isrotel Dead Sea, En Boqeq Highway 90 along the Israeli shore of the Dead Sea The Dead Sea, En Boqeq Royal Hotel and Oasis Hotel, En Boqeq En Boqeq, Dead Sea Spa Club, En Boqeq, Dead Sea Royal, En Boqeq, Dead Sea Wadi Boqeq En Boqeq Zohar Spa, Dead Sea Crowne Plaza, En Boqeq Le Meridien David, En Boqeq En Boqeq Shopping Center Dead Sea at En Boqeq (mineral evaporation pools south of the actual Dead Sea) Dead Sea at En Boqeq (mineral evaporation pools south of the actual Dead Sea) There's probably something to keep you from walking to Jordan...

The Dead Sea north of En Boqeq Stone sculpture along the shore north of En Boqeq Dead Sea with a stone sculpture along the shore north of En Boqeq Stone sculpture, Dead Sea (inscription translation?) Dead Sea with a stone sculpture along the shore north of En Boqeq Highway 90 along the Dead Sea canal which feeds the mineral evaporation pools Israeli stop sign - no words Highway 90 along the Dead Sea - road signs for Jerusalem and Eilat Highway 90 along the Dead Sea, Jordan Rift Valley Unusual Hebrew-only road sign, Highway 90 Bar Yehuda Airport, the world's lowest runway, Metzada, Israel, is at altitude -1,262 feet MSL Cessna 172 (4X-CGI) and Cessna 310 (4X-CIO) at the Bar Yehuda (LLMZ) airport Wow...a UAE flag in Israel (Bar Yehuda)...huwuddathought...

Israeli flag with memorial for Yaniv Nissan, "Lion's Body, Bird's soul, Stunning smile", Dead Sea Dead Sea shore The Dead Sea at En Gedi, Israel Mountains of Jordan across the Dead Sea from En Gedi, Israel En Gedi En Gedi National Park, Israel Dead Sea, En Gedi En Gedi National Park, Israel Oasis of En Gedi Wildlife sign - Ibex, En Gedi, Israel Wildlife sign - Ibex, Dead Sea Dead Sea from En Gedi The end of a long day, sunset behind the mountains of En Gedi En Gedi Mitspe Shalem, an Israeli settlement inside the West Bank on the shore of the Dead Sea north of En Gedi Dead Sea near Mitspe Shalem, West Bank Israeli Caution! Getting off the road eastwards and staying on the beach after sunset is strictly forbidden!

Wadi leading down to the Dead Sea Approaching the Israeli checkpoint on Highway 90 near where the road enters the Israeli-controlled West Bank Wadi Temarim in shadow Qumeran, area where the Dead Sea scrolls were found Figure riding on moped on a post near the north end of the Dead Sea Panorama of the northern Dead Sea, Kalia Panorama of the northern Dead Sea, Kalia Figure riding on moped on a post near the north end of the Dead Sea New Kalia Beach, northern Dead Sea Ruins of Jordanian village destroyed in the 1967 war, Kalia Ruins of Jordanian village destroyed in the 1967 war, Kalia Ruins of Jordanian village destroyed in the 1967 war, Kalia War damaged ruins with the remains of 1967 Jordanian defences War damaged ruins with the remains of 1967 Jordanian defences I'm really surprised that this prime real estate on the Dead Sea so close to Jerusalem hasn't been settled by the Israelis Ruins of Jordanian village destroyed in the 1967 war, Kalia Ruins of Jordanian village destroyed in the 1967 war, Kalia Neve Mid

bar Beach & Restaurant, Kalia Looking across the Dead Sea at the Jordanian resorts Neve Midbar Beach & Restaurant, Kalia Neve Midbar Beach & Restaurant, Kalia Dead Sea, Neve Midbar Beach, Kalia Dead Sea, Neve Midbar Beach, Kalia Slow - Ibex, West Bank Dead Sea | lake, Asia | Britannica.com Dead Sea Alternative Titles: Al-Baḥr Al-Mayyit, Salt Sea, Yam HaMelaẖ Related Topics Jordan Dead Sea, Arabic Al-Baḥr Al-Mayyit (“Sea of Death”), Hebrew Yam HaMelaẖ (“Salt Sea”), also called Salt Sea, landlocked salt lake between Israel and Jordan in southwestern Asia .

Its eastern shore belongs to Jordan, and the southern half of its western shore belongs to Israel. The northern half of the western shore lies within the Palestinian West Bank and has been under Israeli occupation since the 1967 Arab-Israeli war . The Jordan River , from which the Dead Sea receives nearly all its water , flows from the north into the lake. Salt deposits at the Dead Sea near Masada, Israel. © Kavram/Shutterstock.com The Dead Sea has the lowest elevation and is the lowest body of water on the surface of Earth . For several decades in the mid-20th century the standard value given for the surface level of the lake was some 1,300 feet (400 metres) below sea level . Beginning in the 1960s, however, Israel and Jordan began diverting much of the Jordan River’s flow and increased the use of the lake’s water itself for commercial purposes. The result of those activities was a precipitous drop in the Dead Sea’s water level.

By the mid-2010s measurement of the lake level was more than 100 feet (some 30 metres) below the mid-20th-century figure—i.e., about 1,410 feet (430 metres) below sea level—but the lake continued to drop by about 3 feet (1 metre) annually. Physical features Physiography and geology The Dead Sea is situated between the hills of Judaea to the west and the Transjordanian plateaus to the east. Before the water level began dropping, the lake was some 50 miles (80 km) long, attained a maximum width of 11 miles (18 km), and had a surface area of about 394 square miles (1,020 square km).

The peninsula of Al-Lisān (Arabic: “The Tongue”) divided the lake on its eastern side into two unequal basins: the northern basin encompassed about three-fourths of the lake’s total surface area and reached a depth of 1,300 feet (400 metres), and the southern basin was smaller and considerably shallower, less than 10 feet (3 metres) deep on average. During biblical times and until the 8th century ce, only the area around the northern basin was inhabited, and the lake was slightly lower than its present-day level. It rose to its highest level, 1,275 feet (389 metres) below sea level, in 1896 but receded again after 1935, stabilizing at about 1,300 feet (400 metres) below sea level for several decades. Shoreline of the Dead Sea, eastern Israel. © Shawn McCullars Open Door policy The saline water has a high density that keeps bathers buoyant.

The fresh water of the Jordan stays on the surface, and in the spring its muddy colour can be traced as it spreads southward from the point where the river empties into the Dead Sea. The lake’s extreme salinity excludes all forms of life except bacteria. Fish carried in by the Jordan or by smaller streams when in flood die quickly. Apart from the vegetation along the rivers, plant life along the shores is discontinuous and consists mainly of halophytes (plants that grow in salty or alkaline soil). Human imprint The name Dead Sea can be traced at least to the Hellenistic Age (323 to 30 bce). The Dead Sea figures in biblical accounts dating to the time of Abraham (first of the Hebrew patriarchs) and the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah (the two cities along the lake, according to the Hebrew Bible , that were destroyed by fire from heaven because of their wickedness).

The desolate wilderness beside the lake offered refuge to David (king of ancient Israel) and later to Herod I (the Great; king of Judaea), who at the time of the siege of Jerusalem by the Parthians in 40 bce barricaded himself in a fortress at Masada , Israel, just west of Al-Lisān. Masada was the scene of a two-year siege that culminated in the mass suicide of its Jewish Zealot defenders and the occupation of the fortress by the Romans in 73 ce. The Jewish sect that left the biblical manuscripts known as the Dead Sea Scrolls took shelter in caves at Qumrān , just northwest of the lake. Ruins of the Masada fortress, southeastern Israel, near the Dead Sea. Photodisc/Thinkstock The Dead Sea constitutes an enormous salt reserve . Rock salt deposits also occur in Mount Sedom along the southwestern shore. The salt has been exploited on a small scale since antiquity. In 1929 a potash factory was opened near the mouth of the Jordan. Subsidiary installations were later built in the south at Sedom , but the original factory was destroyed during the 1948–49 Arab-Israeli war .

A factory producing potash, magnesium, and calcium chloride was opened in Sedom in 1955. Another plant produces bromine and other chemical products. There are also chemical-processing facilities on the Jordanian side of the southern basin. Water for the extensive array of evaporation pools in the south, from which those minerals are extracted, is supplied by artificial canals from the northern basin. Salt deposits on the southwestern shore of the Dead Sea near Masada, Israel. Z. Radovan, Jerusalem Because of its location on the contested Jordanian-Israeli frontier, navigation on the Dead Sea is negligible. Its shores are nearly deserted, and permanent establishments are rare. Exceptions are the factory at Sedom, a few hotels and spas in the north, and, in the west, a kibbutz (an Israeli agricultural community) in the region of the ʿEn Gedi oasis. Small cultivated plots are also occasionally found on the lakeshore. Portion of the Dead Sea Works facility, Sedom, Israel, which produces a variety of chemicals from … Zev Radovan/EB Inc. Concern mounted quickly over the continued drop in the Dead Sea’s water level, prompting studies and calls for greater conservation of the Jordan River’s water resources.

In addition to proposals for reducing the amount of river water diverted by Israel and Jordan, those two countries discussed proposals for canals that would bring additional water to the Dead Sea. One such project, which received approval from both sides in 2015, would involve constructing a canal northward from the Red Sea. The plan, which would include desalinization and hydroelectric plants along the course of the canal, would deliver large quantities of brine (a by-product of the desalinization process) to the lake. However, the project met with skepticism and opposition from environmentalists and others who questioned the potentially harmful effects of mixing water from the two sources. Ein Bokek and the Dead Sea region NORTHERN DEAD SEA REGION Vered Yericho : Moshav, founded 1980; cultivates winter crops, tropical fruit and date plantations. Bet Ha'Arava : Kibbutz, founded 1980; named after kibbutz Bet Ha'Arava which was destroyed by the Jordanians in the 1948 War of Independence. Today, the settlement cultivates winter crops, tropical fruit and date plantations.

Solar Pond (Bet Ha'Arava) : Experimental project producing solar energy by a process of sun-heated salt water. Almog : Kibbutz founded 1977; named after Yehuda A1mog, one of the Dead Sea region's pioneers. Winter crops, tropical fruit and date plantations, as well as industrial enterprises, form its economic base. Bet HaSofer - (In Kibbutz Almog) : Replicas of Qumeran Scrolls, sound & light presentation. Kalya Beach : Coastal stretch for recreational and camping purposes along with bathing facilities, water sport area and cafeteria. Kalya :Kibbutz, founded 1968; first in a line of new settlements in this region. Winter crops, tropical fruit and date plantations, fish ponds, cattle farming and tourist services. Qumeran and the Dead Sea Scrolls :Important historic and archaeological site, reconstructed as a NationaPark; ancient ruins afford fascinating insight into life of Essenes, religious secessionists of 1st and 2nd centuries, who built a thriving communal centre in this remote area.

Many of the religious scrolls, written by the scribes of this reclusive sect, were found in the nearby caves, where they were hidden and are today displayed in the Israel Museum's "Shrine of the Book", in Jerusalem. Among the remains: public buildings, ritual bathhouse, tower, pottery workshops, reservoirs and water systems. Open daily 8.00 -- 16.00; Fri. & eve of holidays 8.00 1~5.00. Entrance fee. Self-service restaurant and souvenir shop. Enot Tsukim (Ein Fashkha) : Nature Reserve and bathing facilities; fresh water springs and pools in the midst of unique tropical vegetation, abounding with birds, fish and animals. Open daily 8.00 -- 16.00; Fri. & eve of holidays 8.00 -- 14.00. Cafeteria and First-Aid clinic. Nahal Kidron : Famous canyon traversing Judean Desert from Jerusalem to the Dead Sea; in its delta -- plantations and vegetable gardens. Enot Qane & Samar : Nature Reserves close to road and coast; rare fauna and flora. Closed to the public.

Metsuke Dragot : Recreation village and centre for desert tours; rappelling and gliding school. Located atop cliff dominating seashore (5 km ascent by car); affords extraordinary observation points. Mar Saba Monastery : One of the most incredible sights of the desert � a monastery erected in the gorge of Nahal Kidron in the sixth century C.E., occupied now by Greek orthodox monks. (access only by jeep) Nahal Darga : Canyon-like gorge with breathtaking view; river cascades into Dead Sea, (draining central Judean Desert). Mizpe Shalem : Kibbutz, founded 1969; �Ahava� cosmetics company, winter crops, date plantations and tourist services are its mainstay. Mizpe Mikhwar : Observation point located on cliff peak (reached by dirt road); affords magnificent panoramic view of eastern Dead Sea coast. Ein Gedi Field School : Operated by the Society for the Protection of Nature; serves as research and tour centre for Judean Desert and Dead Sea coast; houses a hostel, study rooms and exhibition of local fauna and flora as well as archaeological and geological finds.

Nahal David : Unique Nature Reserve, the biblical oasis which provided David with refuge from King Saul. Fresh water springs, waterfalls and a stairway of pools wrapped in rich tropical vegetation forming natural beauty spots and haven for desert wild life. Open daily 8.00 -- 16.00; Fri. & eve of holidays 8.00 -- 14.00. Entrance fee. Cafeteria and parking at entrance. Tel Goren : North of Nahal Arugot and west of the main road. Site of ancient Ein Gedi. Ruins of synagogue and remnants of ancient agriculture. Nahal Arugot : Nature reserve abounding in waterfalls, pools and typical oasis vegetation. Open daily 8.00 -- 16.00; fri. & eve, of holidays 8.00 -- 14.00. Entrance fee. Parking lot. Ein Gedi Beach : Varied tourist facilities, including camping ground with caravans, bungalows, cabins and tent space; public campsite, beach, parking lot, first-aid clinic; gas station, restaurant and mini-market.

Ein Gedi : Kibbutz, founded 1953; oldest of modern Israeli settlements in the region; cultivates winter crops, tropical fruit and date plantations; operates various industries and offers tourist services such as a fine guesthouse and therapeutic baths. Hamme Mazor (Ein Gedi Hot Springs) : Therapeutic bathing facilities (pools) attached to the beach; contain hot sulphuric water from nearby mineral springs, renowned for their beneficial qualities for treatment of diseases of muscles and joints. Modern bathing facilities and paramedical services; Self-service dairy restaurant. Nahal Hever : Canyon with outstanding cliff views and ancient caves. A number of ancient scroll remnants were found here (The Hever Scrolls). Remains of Bar Kokhba warriors from the 2nd century C.E., found in one of the caves, were buried nearby. Nahal Mishmar : Renowned for its landscape as much as for caves which housed remnants from Bar Kokhba period (2nd century C.E. revolt against Rome). Nahal Tze-elim : Wide river bed bursts from steep, narrow canyon, opening into large drainage basin; springs and hollows surrounded by special fauna and flora are found upstream.

Masada : Central and most renowned historic site in the Dead Sea region. Masada was King Herod's fortress-palace before becoming the last refuge for Jewish zealots after the Romans destroyed Jerusalem and the Temple (70 C.E.). After holding out for three years against the stubborn siege laid by twelve surrounding camps at the foot of the almost impenetrable mountain, some 960 men, women and children chose to take their own lives rather than surrender. The exciting archaeological finds, skillfully reconstructed, reveal King Herod's luxurious winter palace and ingenious water supply system, structures built and used by the zealots, storerooms, bathhouses and fortifications. Access: from west -- by road from Arad, then on foot along the Roman rampart; from east -- by the coastal road, then either on foot, up winding Snake Path, or by cable-car (Operates daily 8 00 -- 16.00; Fri. & eve of holidays 8.00 -- 14.00). Restaurant, cafeterias, souvenir shops and youth hostel at foot of Masada. Entrance fee. Masada Sound & Light Show : At foot of Masada, on the western side.

EIN BOKEK REGION Nahal Bokek : Canyon-like gorge with water springs and typical fauna and flora, near the tourist complex of Ein Bokek. Metzad Bokek : Ruins of small Roman fortress, commanding the main road. Nearby remains of ancient, partly reconstructed, perfume and medicine factory. Hamme Zohar (Zohar Hot Springs) Tourist Complex : About 3 km south of Ein Bokek; health spas and two hotels. Zohar hot springs, rich in sulphur, are particularly beneficial in the treatment of muscular ailments, diseases of the joints and allergies. They feed four adjacent therapeutic centres: the modern Raddison Moriah and Nirvana hotel Spas, which include indoor air-conditioned sea-water pools; Hamme Zohar baths - on the seashore and on the hill. At all four facilities a variety of therapeutic services are offered: sulphur pools and baths, therapeutic mud, physiotherapy, and more. Beaches and parking lots nearby. Neve Zohar : Regional centre and local residential quarter. Also store and cafeteria, police station, first-aid clinic and offices of the Tamar Regional Council and Arad & Dead Sea Region Development Co. Ltd.

Gas station near Neve Zohar at the Arad road junction. Beit HaYotzer Museum : At Neve Zohar, a museum devoted to the Dead Sea research and history, showing the extraction of its natural resources; a model of the dams and dykes system.(Visits by pre arrangement only!). Nahal Zohar and Metzad Zohar : Canyon landscape with ruins of two ancient strongholds, dating from Israelite and Roman eras west of Neve Zohar. Accessible by car or viewed from observation point on Arad road. SODOM REGION Sodom Mountain and Caves : An 11km by 3km mountain range composed almost entirely (98%) of salt, running parallel to the coastline. Caves of unique beauty were formed by water dissolving the salt inside (entrance to these caves are forbidden at present due to danger of avalanches). East of Mt. Sodom is the old workers' camp, which formerly housed employees of the Dead Sea Works, founded in 1934. Nearby is an interesting salt rock formation, reminiscent of the biblical lady whose name was adopted to identify this wind and water sculpture - "Lot's Wife".

Dead Sea Works : Large industrial complex at southern tip of the Dead Sea; its intricate system of dykes and evaporation pans exploits the enormous mineral wealth of the water for the production of raw chemical materials, essential for industry, agriculture and medicine. The plant is one of Israel�s most important exporters of fertilizers and chemicals such as Bromide, Potash, Chlorine, Common Salt, and most recently - Magnesium. Nahal Pratzim & Flour Cave : Canyon carved In soft limestone, displaying varied and fantastic shapes sculptured by water currents. The "Flour Cave", so called because of the powdery chalk substance (marl) which lines it,lies upstream. Kikkar Sodom (Sodom Plain) : Salty marshes in wilderness of typical vegetation: fresh water springs attract many animals, including hyenas and various carnivores. Agricultural cultivation is carried out by the settlements Ne'ot HaKikkar and Ein Tamar, at the south-eastern edges of the salt marshes. Ein Tamar : New Moshav, founded 1982: cultivates winter crops and tropical fruit and date plantations. Its name derives from nearby spring.

Ne'ot HaKikkar : Moshav, founded in early sixties as agricultural farm. Located near Nahal Arava river delta, at Sodom Plain. Cultivates winter crops, tropical fruit and date plantations, and fish farming. Cfar Hanokdim Bedouin Village : Bedouin Hospitality Tent and Camel Tour centre. NORTH ARAVA REGION Nahal Ha'Arava : River gorge draining the plain from Paran northwards about 100km north of Eilat; also serves as international boundary between Israel and Jordan. Nahal Zin : Canyon draining wide area of northeastern Negev mountains, passing through crater landscapes of extraordinary beauty; flows into Sodom Plain south of Dead Sea Works. Hazeva : Ancient Nabatean caravanserai and guard-post close to water source west of Arava road; starting point of tortuous "Ma'ale Akrabbim" (Scorpion Ascent). Local tree is considered among the oldest of its kind in the world. lr Ovot is a new settlement in this area. Ein Hazeva : Agricultural farm and moshav; cultivates winter crops and offers road services, gas station and restaurant.

NORTHERN NEGEV HaMakhtesh HaKatan (The Small Crater) : Formed by water erosion in lime and sandstone rocks, it is an unusually beautiful natural site. Exposure of different geological strata created an impressive interplay of colour and rock formations. Metzad Tamar : Ancient stronghold, once part of the Roman Limes system (network of military roads and watchtowers); excavated almost in its entirety by a Tel Aviv University archaeological expedition. Mamshit (Kurnub) : Nabatean trade town dating from 3rd century B.C., 6km south-east of Dimona. Reconstructed by National Parks Authority. Open daily. Nabatean Restaurant; Entrance fee. Camel Farm of Mamshit : Bedouin hospitality tent and Camel Tours centre. Mishor Rotem (Rotem Plain) : Area rich in phosphates; industrial chemical plants which combine exploitation of phosphates with the processing of mineral solutions from the Dead Sea. Rosh Zohar : Site of ancient settlement on road ascending from the Dead Sea to Arad; fine panoramic views, particularly in the afternoon.

Where is the Dead Sea | Dead Sea Information and Tours Home » Where is the Dead Sea Where is the Dead Sea View Larger Map The Dead Sea is on the Israeli Jordanian border in the Jordan Rift Valley in the Middle East. This iconic body of water runs from north to south 67km in length and between 6km and 18km in width at the widest point. The sea’s main water source is the Jordan River but most of the water that runs into the sea is evaporated by the harsh hot weather in this region. The Dead Sea is the lowest point on Earth at 400 meters below sea level, it lies in a deep basin where the atmosphere is dry and the surrounding land arid. The evaporation of the water is what causes the high concentration of the remaining minerals and salts. There is no outgoing flow of water at the south end of the Dead Sea. To the east of the Dead Sea are the Kingdom of Jordan and the Mountains of Moab. To the north is the ancient city of Jericho and the West Bank and a little further north (about 24km and an hour’s drive) is Jerusalem.

To the west are the Judean Hills, and 25km west is the city of Arad, a further 45km in a westerly direction will bring you to Beer Sheva. On the southwestern side is the 210 meter high rock salt Mount Sodom and to the south, if you keep driving through the Negev Desert, you will reach the Red Sea and the city of Eilat in Israel and Aqaba, Jordan. It is about a 2 hour drive from the Dead Sea to Eilat. Places close to the Dead Sea Mount Masada and its 1st century mountain top fortress are situated southwest of the Dead Sea on the edge of the Judean Desert. On the shores of the sea you can find Ein Gedi where one of the most popular Dead Sea beaches is and Ein Bokek which has the highest concentration of hotels along the sea. Ein Gedi kibbutz and nature reserve is a desert oasis, close to the water where there are also natural springs, waterfalls, hiking trails and a small hotel. The Nahal David trail and the Nahal Arugot trail are popular walking trails within the Ein Gedi reserve.

The Qumran caves where the Dead Sea scrolls were discovered are also nearby. Another interesting site in the area is the Flour Cave, an underground tunnel system created in the limestone that has been eroded by water over the years. The Flour Cave is west of Mount Sodom. Reaching the Dead Sea To get to the Dead Sea from Jerusalem one would take the northern exit from the city through the French Hill neighborhood and head towards Maale Adumim along highway number 1. From Tel-Aviv the best route is through Arad and then from Arad follow the 30km twisting road through the mountains which will bring you to Ein Bokek. Tours regularly leave for the Dead Sea on this route which takes about 30 minutes before you see the first signs of the sea and in about an hour you reach Ein Gedi. The prices for one day tours start at approximately $100USD and for a 2 day tour the price usually includes a stay in a tourist class hotel and doesn’t include spa treatments. 2 day tour prices start from approximately $260USD. What to take with you on a Dead Sea tour Most important is to take your bathing suit and a towel so that you can go into the water.

Also remember to take water, sun glasses, sun screen and a hat as you will be in one of Israel’s hottest areas.

Question: Mount Sodom lies along which body of water?
Answer: The Dead Sea