While organizers behind the new Seven Natural Wonders of the World work to define the most popular of the world’s natural wonders, the Dead Sea may, ironically, not be around that long -- despite the fact Jordan's wondrous landmark has made the cut so far. Already on a final list of 28 of the world's most beautiful and intriguing landmarks from across the globe, many hope one of the most serene spots on earth will make the cut into the final 7 wonders. More than one billion votes will be considered when those seven wonders are revealed in 2011. Simultaneously, even if the landmark becomes one of the seven, there's a chance the Dead Sea might be gone -- very soon.
Yes, you really can float while reading a newspaper in Jordan's famous sea -- the salt content is that high. And that's part of the (natural) problem. The real problem is that the sea is basically being used and abused. And that abuse could kill the Dead Sea's existence literally within most people's lifetime -- within about the next 40-50 years.
As the battle for the Dead Sea ensues -- to make the incredible location in Jordan (think 'Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom') the most well-known of landmarks -- the body of water is shrinking. That shrinkage isn't slow. The water level of the landmark in Israel is falling fast, losing up to meter per year. And if something isn't done to reverse the water level's decline quickly, the Dead Sea will soon shrink to the size of a pond or even dry out altogether. The Dead Sea could be gone by as early as 2050.
Experts say the political battle in the Middle East has halted any effort to bar the loss of one of the world's lowest and saltiest body of water. The Dead Sea is literally landlocked between Jordan, Israel and the West Bank -- all hot points in the battle over territory and continuing political issues. Right now, the Dead Sea continues to shrink because its content is being diverted and extracted for -- of all crazy things -- industry and agriculture. Basically, the water that makes up the sea is being used for plants and other industries -- things for the here and now. That 'here and now' will probably be around in 50 years, but the Dead Sea itself may not.
Jordan is building a $2-billion dollar pipeline, without aid from Israel or Palestine, to literally try to refill the shrinking sea. But experts say it may be enough to slightly delay the problem but not enough to save one of the world's most beautiful wonders.