The Dead Sea Depression is situated in the southern portion of Israel bordering Jordan. It is at a negative elevation of about 400 meters (1320 feet) below sea level. It was formed millions of years ago when a massive earthquake took place just above the African continent. Salt water ultimately sprang up during the quake to form the Dead Sea. The depth of the area forms a unique atmospheric condition which houses higher oxygen concentrations, relatively high temperature and low humidity. These conditions result in an accelerated rate of evaporation and an elevated accumulation of minerals.
In the 1960s, the flow of water into the Dead Sea from the Jordan River was reduced as a result of large-scale irrigation and low rainfall. By 1975, the upper layer of water in the Dead Sea was less saline than the lower layer. The upper layer remained suspended above the lower layer because of higher temperature and lower density. When the upper layer finally cooled down so that its density was greater than that of the lower layer, the waters of the Dead Sea mixed. Up until the winter of 1978-79, when this major mixing event took place, the Dead Sea was composed of two stratified layers of water that differed in temperature, density, age, and salinity. Since the water near the bottom is super-saturated, the salt precipitates out of solution onto the sea floor.
Studies have revealed that there are over 26 different minerals contained within the deposition and mud including Calcium, Sodium, Magnesium, Potassium, Sulfur, Bromides, Chlorides to name a few. These minerals are not sensitive to oxidization so their therapeutic qualities remain intact and since some are lipophilic they are more capable of penetrating the epidermis. The concentration of the minerals in the Dead Sea is about 30% (weight per volume), compared with about 2% in the water of the world's oceans. Existing underground hot springs in the area still keep flowing into the Dead Sea replenishing it's water and mineral levels continuously.