Dead Sea is one of the lowest exposed places on Earth, with its shoreline lying at approximately 430 meters (1,410 feet) below sea level. This makes it the lowest land elevation on Earth's surface. Where Is the Dead Sea? The Dead Sea lies between Israel and Jordan and is connected to the biblical Jordan River, which flows into it. Why Is It Called the "Dead" Sea? The Dead Sea contains extremely high concentrations of dissolved salts and minerals—about 10 times saltier than the ocean. Because of this: 🌊 Most fish and aquatic plants cannot survive in its waters. 🧂 The high salinity makes the water very dense. 🏊 People can float easily on its surface. Biblical Significance The Dead Sea is closely associated with the region of Sodom and Gomorrah. "Then the LORD rained upon Sodom and upon Gomorrah brimstone and fire from the LORD out of heaven;" — Genesis 19:24 (KJV) The area surrounding the Dead Sea is also where the famous Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered in caves near Qumran Caves in 1947. These ancient manuscripts include some of the oldest known copies of books from the Old Testament. Did You Know? 📍 Elevation: About 430 m (1,410 ft) below sea level. 🌊 It has no outlet—water leaves mainly through evaporation. 🧂 It is among the saltiest bodies of water on Earth. 📜 The nearby Dead Sea Scrolls have provided valuable evidence for the preservation of the biblical text. Why It Matters The Dead Sea is a remarkable natural landmark that appears in the geographical setting of several biblical events. Its unique location, extreme salinity, and connection to major archaeological discoveries make it one of the most fascinating places in the biblical world.