Factors Contributing to the Increasing Salt Concentration in the Dead Sea

Water Inflow Deficiency and Evaporation

The salt concentration in the Dead Sea is on the rise primarily due to the annual deficiency in water inflow, leading to high rates of evaporation^[1]. This phenomenon results in changes in the hydrochemical composition, including variations in Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), density, and salinity. The changes in salinity are reflected through electrical conductivity (EC) measurements^[1]. Additionally, the pH values exhibit an inverse relationship with water evaporation levels, further contributing to the increasing salt concentration in the Dead Sea [3, 5].

Human Activities and Climate Change

Human activities, such as diverting freshwater sources that feed the Dead Sea for drinking water and irrigation purposes, as well as extracting minerals through industrial processes, play a significant role in intensifying the salt concentration^[4]. This reduction in water inflow causes salt deposits to dissolve underground, leading to increased salinity in the remaining water^[4]. Climate change exacerbates the situation by causing the region to become hotter and experience less rainfall, further accelerating the Dead Sea's decline^[4].

Reduction in Freshwater Inflow

The decrease in freshwater inflow into the Dead Sea due to diversions from the Jordan River and its tributaries is a crucial factor driving the increased salt concentration [10, 15]. This reduction in fresh water inflow leads to a rise in salinity levels as underground salt layers dissolve^[5]. Consequently, the dissolution process contributes to the declining state of the Dead Sea [10, 15].

Receding Freshwater Aquifers

The receding freshwater aquifers along the Dead Sea's perimeter contribute to the rising salt concentration as they diffuse into salt deposits beneath the surface^[5]. This dissolution process intensifies as the water evaporates, further adding to the salinity of the Dead Sea^[5].

Natural Climate Variability and Human Intervention

The salt concentration in the Dead Sea has fluctuated over time due to both natural climate-driven dry periods in the past and current human interventions^[6]. Historical records indicate extreme dry periods that influenced the lake's salt content^[6]. Presently, water diversion for irrigation purposes before reaching the Dead Sea significantly impacts its salinity, potentially leading to the lake drying up sooner than previously anticipated^[6].

Consequences of Increasing Salt Concentration

The rising salt concentration in the Dead Sea poses a threat to its unique ecosystem, as the ongoing decrease in water levels endangers the delicate balance of flora and fauna in the region^[6]. Additionally, the formation of sinkholes due to the dissolution of subterranean salt layers contributes to the environmental challenges faced by the Dead Sea area^[2].

In conclusion, the increasing salt concentration in the Dead Sea is a complex issue influenced by a combination of water inflow deficiencies, human activities, climate change, and natural climate variability. Addressing these multifaceted factors is crucial to preserving the Dead Sea's ecosystem and maintaining its ecological balance.