Dead Sea

Dead Sea, salt lake in the Great Rift Valley, on the Israel-Jordan border. About 390 sq mi (1,010 sq km) in area, the Dead Sea extends some 50 mi (80 km) south from the mouth of the Jordan River and is up to 11 mi (17.7 km) wide. Much of it is more than 1,000 ft (305 m) deep; at surface 1,292 ft (394 m) below sea level, it is the lowest point on earth. Its high salt content (over 20%) results from the rapid evaporation in the area's hot climate and prevents any aquatic life from surviving.