The Dead Sea is the lowest place on Earth.
The Dead Sea holds the distinction of being the Earth's lowest point on land. This natural wonder, famed for its unique characteristics, lies significantly below global sea level.
Based on current measurements, the surface of the Dead Sea is situated at an elevation of 430.5 meters below sea level. This makes it the lowest point on the planet's surface that is not covered by ice.
Key Characteristics of the Dead Sea
Beyond its remarkable elevation, the Dead Sea possesses several other notable features, as highlighted by the reference:
| Characteristic | Detail |
|---|---|
| Elevation | 430.5 meters below sea level |
| Lake Type | World's deepest salt lake (hyper saline) |
| Salinity | 34.2% |
| Salinity Ratio | 9.6 times that of the ocean |
The extremely high salinity of 34.2% is a defining feature of the Dead Sea. This makes it approximately 9.6 times saltier than the average ocean, contributing to its hyper saline nature and making it impossible for fish or other complex aquatic organisms to survive, though some microbes do exist.
- The Dead Sea is recognized as the world's deepest salt lake.
- Its elevation of 430.5 meters below sea level confirms its status as the lowest land point on Earth.
- The water's exceptionally high salinity (34.2%) is a result of high evaporation rates and lack of outlets.
Understanding the Dead Sea's unique elevation provides insight into the diverse geological features found across our planet's surface.
