Overview
The Dead Sea is a long, narrow hypersaline lake whose length, width, surface area, and maximum water depth change with the water level. This page no longer combines measurements from different dates. Use a dated hydrological source for exact current dimensions.
The Dead Sea's length, width, and surface area change as the water level declines. Exact current and historical comparisons should use measurements from a clearly dated hydrological source.
Two Basins, Two Stories
The Dead Sea is divided into a deep northern basin and a shallow southern basin by the Lisan Peninsula (also called the Lynch Strait). The northern basin holds the primary body of water, reaching the maximum depth of 304 meters. This is where most visitors swim and float.
The southern basin tells a different story. Once part of the continuous lake, it largely dried up during the 20th century as water levels fell. Today, industrial evaporation ponds operated by Dead Sea Works (Israel) and the Arab Potash Company (Jordan) occupy much of the former southern basin. These operations extract potash, magnesium, and other minerals from the brine.
How the Dead Sea Compares
For context, the Dead Sea is roughly three to four times larger than the Sea of Galilee (166 square km) in surface area, and significantly deeper. Compared to the Great Salt Lake in Utah (approximately 4,400 square km but only 10 meters deep), the Dead Sea is much smaller in area but far deeper and more saline. The Caspian Sea, the world’s largest landlocked body of water, covers approximately 371,000 square km, roughly 600 times the Dead Sea’s current area.
The Dead Sea is exceptionally deep for a hypersaline lake, but maximum water depth and water-surface elevation vary over time. Use measurements from the same dated hydrological source when calculating the lakebed elevation.
The Shrinking Shoreline
The Dead Sea has lost substantial water and shoreline area. Reduced Jordan River inflow is a major driver, while changing groundwater conditions contribute to sinkhole hazards along parts of the receding shore. Exact annual change and surface area require a dated hydrological source.
What This Means for Visitors
The Dead Sea’s dimensions are large enough to feel expansive when floating, but compact enough to see both shorelines. From Ein Bokek on the Israeli side, the Jordanian mountains appear close and sharply detailed across the water. The drive along the western shore from Ein Gedi to Ein Bokek covers only about 30 km but passes through some of the most dramatic desert terrain in the region.
FAQs
Is the Dead Sea the biggest lake in the Middle East?
No. The Dead Sea is not among the world’s largest lakes by area. Its exact current surface area changes over time and should be taken from a dated hydrological measurement.
How much has the Dead Sea shrunk?
The Dead Sea’s surface area has contracted substantially. This page no longer publishes an unsourced 1930 baseline or a single annual rate; use a dated hydrological source for an exact comparison.
How deep is the Dead Sea?
The northern basin reaches a maximum depth of 304 meters (997 feet), making the Dead Sea the deepest hypersaline lake on Earth. The shallow southern basin, largely converted to industrial evaporation ponds, has a depth of less than 6 meters in most areas.
Can you see across the Dead Sea?
Yes. At approximately 15 km wide at its broadest point, both the Israeli and Jordanian shorelines are visible from opposite sides. On clear days, the mountains on each side appear in striking detail, particularly during morning and evening light.
