how was this formed?
There are 2 theories - one is that the Dead Sea lies in a true rift zone and the other is that its a consequence of a "step-over" discontinuity along the Dead Sea Transform, creating an extension of the crust with consequent subsidence.
Dead Sea
There are two contending hypotheses about the origin of the low elevation of the Dead Sea. The older hypothesis is that the Dead Sea lies in a true rift zone, an extension of the Red Sea Rift, or even of the Great Rift Valley of eastern Africa. A more recent hypothesis is that the Dead Sea basin is a consequence of a "step-over" discontinuity along the Dead Sea Transform, creating an extension of the crust with consequent subsidence.
who lived for many years in the bible Methuselah. has he been mentioned in any other sacred texts? Yes, in the Book of Jubilees and the Rabbinic literature. what is the first one about? It is an ancient Jewish religious work of 50 chapters. did any early written records of this book survive? Yes, extensive fragments among the Dead Sea Scrolls and four complete Ge'ez texts. where were the former discovered? Qumran Caves in the Judaean Desert, near Ein Feshkha on the northern shore of the Dead Sea in the West Bank. how does this sea get its name? Hebrew, meaning "sea of salt". what are the climatic conditions like here? Hot desert climate. is this place mentioned in the bible? Yes. what animals are found here? Algae and halobacteria.
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Dead Sea [SEP] Formation theories
There are two contending hypotheses about the origin of the low elevation of the Dead Sea. The older hypothesis is that the Dead Sea lies in a true rift zone, an extension of the Red Sea Rift, or even of the Great Rift Valley of eastern Africa. A more recent hypothesis is that the Dead Sea basin is a consequence of a "step-over" discontinuity along the Dead Sea Transform, creating an extension of the crust with consequent subsidence.