seaworld: Why is the Dead Sea Shrinking?

Why is the Dead Sea Shrinking?

The Jordan River feeds the Dead Sea. In the 1960s, much of the water from that began to A. for irrigation and other needs to be drained. Without a constant supply of water, began to experience the Dead Sea to big changes. In order to understand the most dramatic, one has to understand, the stratification that marks these unique waters. The mineral rich water, creating the huge natural spa, kings and peasants in the course of history had calmed down and is now the source offor people around the world who try to purchase salt from the Dead Sea have been divided into a cool lower layer, and a warm top layer. The bottom layer was completely with the salt, that this body is characterized by water saturation. The upper layer, while saline had strikingly still a lower concentration.

When the water began to rise slowly in the 1960s, the salinity of the upper classes began, until the point that they actually contain more salt than the lower reaches but remained warmer in general. Finally, in winter 1978/79, when the water was cooled to the upper level and with the concentration of salt in it is weighed, the water of the two layers together, and the sea a homogeneous body of water.

This dramatic change indicates that there are big changes this historic place of water at a disadvantage. She has continued to shrink since. The needs of the residents of the Jordan river which only increases theTo shrink> Sea every year. It is unlikely, however, that the sea always disappear for good. As we continue to increase and the salinity from the surface, both of which are shrinking the decrease evaporation. Nevertheless, there may soon be as the great sea that once was or even what it is today unrecognizable.

What can be done?

It is unlikely, and is unrealistic to expect human consumption in Jordan slowed. Be made Fortunately, real steps,have been taken to solve the problem. In 2005, Israel, Jordan and the Palestinian Authority signed an agreement to study solutions. The focus is the "Two Seas Canal, the" water will be supplied from the Mediterranean and Red Seas channel the waters of the Dead Sea. This would have the added benefit of electricity from hydropower. Some of the disadvantages of this solution possible damage to the environment in the areas of influence and a further shock to the salinity levels ofSea.