The Dead Sea region is one of
the driest in the world, with high air temperatures all year round.
From November to April average maximum temperature are in the 20-29c
(68-84f) range; during the intermediate months of May and
September/October average maximum temperatures are 32-37c (90-99f);
and in June/July temperatures hover around 38-39c (100-102f). Even in
the middle of the winter days are warm and nights pleasantly cool. In
fact, night temperatures rarely drop below 10c (50f) for more then two
weeks in the entire year. Humidity is low (34-50%), atmospheric
pressure high and rainfall sparse rarely more then 50 mm (2 inches) a
year.
These climatic factors are the
cause of the high rate of evaporation from the Dead Sea, creating a
unique haze that hangs over the entire area. Due to the high
concentration of bromide in the Dead Sea's water, this haze contains
large quantities of bromine (a component of many sedatives), which has
an extremely relaxing effect on the nervous system. At the same time,
the very low humidity, allied to the high rate of evaporation, has a
bracing effect, since it increase the metabolic activity of the body.
The Dead Sea region, the lowest place on earth, is also the richest in
oxygen- 10% more then at Mediterranean Sea level. The absence of
polluting factors such as industry, heavy traffic or allergens (due
mainly to the climate), contribute to the remarkably pure air, a major
boon for people suffering from respiratory ailments.
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The Dead
Sea is the only place on earth where they can sunbathe for extended
periods with little or no sunburn because harmful ultraviolet rays are
filtered through three natural layers: an extra atmospheric layer, an
evaporation layer that exists above the Dead Sea, and a rather thick
ozone layer. It is recommended, however, that guests to the Dead Sea
maintain careful and progressive exposure to the sun. No bigger then
the state of New Jersey 10,840 square miles (27,800sq.km.) and only 85
miles (137km.) at the widest point, Israel's geography is amazingly
varied.
Mountains and plains, fertile fields and
desert are often minutes apart. Its balmy Mediterranean character
comes from a coastline stretching almost the entire length- from Egypt
in the south to Lebanon in the north - with long white sandy beaches,
a warm tranquil sea, and cities such as Tel Aviv, Haifa and Nahariya.
Another distinctive region is formed by the verdant hills of the
Galilee, the Sea of Galilee, the mountains of the Golan, it can snow
in Jerusalem and Safed, and there's skiing on Mount Hermon. I the
south, away from green fields and orange groves, It's all desert..
Major attractions here are the Dead Sea - a mineral -rich source of
health and beauty at the lowest point on earth-and Eilat, a winter
paradise on the Red Sea, famous for its corals and marine life.
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