The Red Sea–Dead Sea Conveyance Feasibility Study, 2008–2012

Abstract

The Dead Sea is a hypersaline terminal lake formed about 14,000 years ago along the central part of the Dead Sea Rift after the desiccation of its precursor Lake Lisan. The Dead Sea drains an area of approximately 40,000 km2 with the Jordan River as its main source of inflow (Fig. 12.1). While in the past the Dead Sea level changes were caused by climate changes, in recent years its level is controlled primarily by anthropogenic activity. At present the Dead Sea level is approximately 425 m below sea level (BSL) while the lake’s deepest point at 730 m BSL is the deepest terrestrial spot on Earth. This chapter summarizes the principal technical and environmental findings of the Red Sea-Dead Sea Conveyance Project. This is the main solution that is being currently discussed that can potentially resolve some of the issues the Dead Sea is facing.