All articles tagged with #dead sea
A study of the Dead Sea's salt giants reveals how these salt deposits form year-round through evaporation and snow-like salt fall, providing insights into Earth's past lake environments, the effects of climate change, and the unique geological processes at play in the Dead Sea, which can inform understanding of other global water bodies and their stability.
Researchers study the Dead Sea's unique conditions to understand the formation of massive salt deposits, revealing processes like evaporation, temperature fluctuations, and double diffusion that contribute to salt giant formation, with implications for understanding similar structures in Earth's history and potential resource extraction.
The lowest point on Earth's land surface is the banks of the Dead Sea, approximately 1,300 feet below sea level, while the deepest point on Earth is Challenger Deep in the Mariana Trench at about 35,876 feet below sea level.
Researchers from the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research have discovered mineral chimneys on the Dead Sea floor, formed by the crystallization of minerals from highly saline groundwater. These chimneys, resembling deep-sea black smokers, serve as early warning indicators for sinkholes, which pose significant hazards in the region. The Dead Sea's declining water levels, due to evaporation and reduced tributary inflow, exacerbate groundwater access issues for neighboring countries. The chimneys' formation is linked to the dissolution of halite layers, providing a potential tool for predicting sinkhole locations.
Israeli researchers have discovered four excellently preserved Roman swords and a javelin head in a hidden cave near the Dead Sea. The weapons were found near Ein Gedi and are believed to have been hidden by Judean rebels during the Bar Kokhba Revolt in 132-135 CE. The swords, identified as Roman spatha swords, were carefully removed and are currently being preserved and studied by the Israeli Antiquities Authority.
A rockslide at the Ein Gedi Nature Reserve in Israel has resulted in the death of a 5-year-old child and injuries to several others. Rescue teams are still searching for survivors as they navigate the difficult terrain. The popular tourist site, known for its oasis and hiking trails, attracts visitors from around the world. The cause of the rockslide is currently unknown.