Lowest Place in the World
Several places on Earth are famous for being below sea level. These low points are so deep that only the brave would venture there. In this article, we will explore about the lowest place in the world, learn where it is, and much more.
Lowest Place on Earth
The lowest point on Earth’s surface is the shore of the Dead Sea Depression. Its surface and shores are about 430 meters (1,411 feet) below sea level, though this can change slightly with water levels.
The Dead Sea is famous for being very salty—about 9.6 times saltier than the ocean. Because of this high salt content, the water is very dense, making it easy for people to float on the surface. This unique experience is relaxing but it also means that the lake has very little aquatic life, which is why it’s called the “Dead Sea.”
Geologically, the area around the Dead Sea is important. It lies on a fault line between the African and Arabian tectonic plates. The depression was formed by tectonic activities, like rifting and faulting. The region has also seen an increase in sinkholes, caused by freshwater dissolving underground salt deposits.
Historically and culturally, the Dead Sea has been a center for health and wellness tourism for thousands of years. Its mineral-rich waters and mud are thought to have healing properties and are used in treatments for skin conditions like psoriasis and cosmetic products.
Interesting Facts
- The Dead Sea is shrinking at an alarming rate. Its surface level is dropping by over one meter per year due to water diversion from the Jordan River and mineral extraction industries.
- The Dead Sea is one of the world’s few sources of natural asphalt. Historically, this asphalt was used for mummification in ancient Egypt.
Where is the Dead Sea?
The Dead Sea is a salt lake located between Jordan to the east and Israel and the West Bank to the west. It is part of the larger Jordan Rift Valley, which is a section of the Great Rift Valley stretching from Lebanon in the north to Mozambique in the south. The rugged Judean Desert and the Moab Mountains surround the Dead Sea. Its geographical coordinates are approximately 31.5° N latitude and 35.5° E longitude.
Other Lowest Places in the World
-
Sea of Galilee
Located about 209 meters (686 feet) below sea level in Northern Israel, the Sea of Galilee sits in a valley called the Jordan Rift Valley. It is the second lowest place in the world. While the Jordan River is its main water source, the lake is also partly fed by underground springs. It’s the largest freshwater lake in Israel.
-
Lake Assal
The third lowest place in the world is Lake Assal. It is approximately 155 meters (509 feet) below sea level. Lake Assal is situated in the Danakil Desert in central Djibouti, near the border with Ethiopia. It is the lowest point in Africa and the third lowest on Earth after the Dead Sea and the Sea of Galilee.
-
The Turpan Depression
In China, in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, there is a place about 154 meters (505 feet) below sea level. This area is known for being very hot and dry during the summer. It features the Flaming Mountains and the ancient ruins of the cities of Jiaohe and Gaochang.
-
The Qattara Depression
It is in the Western Desert of Egypt and is about 133 meters (436 feet) below sea level. This large, dry area is mostly uninhabited and difficult to travel through. It has salt marshes and dunes and was an important place during World War II.
-
Caspian Depression
Approximately 133 meters (433 feet) below sea level. The Caspian Depression stretches along the eastern coast of the Caspian Sea, covering parts of Kazakhstan’s Mangyshlak Peninsula and Russia’s Astrakhan Oblast. It is a vast area characterized by flat, arid terrain and salt flats.
-
The Karagiye Depression
It is in the Mangystau Region of southwestern Kazakhstan. It is about 132 meters (433 feet) below sea level. This remote area, known as Karagiye Mountain, features desert landscapes and cliffs.
-
The Danakil Depression
It is in the Afar Region of northeastern Ethiopia. It is about 125 meters (410 feet) below sea level. This area is one of the hottest places on Earth all year round. It has active volcanoes, salt flats, and colorful hot springs. The Danakil Depression is part of the larger Afar Triangle.
-
Laguna del Carbón
It is in Santa Cruz Province, Argentina, about 105 meters (344 feet) below sea level. It is the lowest point in the Southern Hemispheres. This area in the Gran Bajo de San Julián is a salt marsh in Patagonia, known for its desolate and barren landscape.
-
Death Valley, in eastern California
It is in the Mojave Desert. Its lowest point, Badwater Basin, is about 86 meters (282 feet) below sea level. Famous for its extreme heat, Death Valley holds the record for the highest air temperature ever recorded. The area has salt flats, dunes, and rugged canyons.
Related Links