Will the Dead Sea Rise Again?: A Scientific Analysis of Methods for Restoring Dropping Sea Levels Web Design and Research Project By: Spencer Oberman, Constance Boozer, Kristiina Wells and Karla Sosa

The Problem: The Dead Sea is sinking due to human activity in the area. In the past 40 years, the Dead Sea has dropped more than 80 feet. Environmentalists say that industries extracting minerals from the sea could be responsible The Dead Sea is sinking due to human activity in the area. In the past 40 years, the Dead Sea has dropped more than 80 feet. Environmentalists say that industries extracting minerals from the sea could be responsible

So what? The sinking water levels endanger the ecosystem. Professor Marcelo Sternberg, from Tel Aviv University's Department of Plant Sciences, stated "groundwater reservoirs and natural habitats are disappearing because of the lack of water” (Waldocks, 2009). Retreating groundwater has created thousands of dangerous sinkholes that have already decimated beaches, nature reserves and agricultural fields in the area.

Our Methodology: Explore and compare currently proposed solutions for rehabilitation Proposed Solutions: Rehabilitation of the Jordan River Red Sea-Dead Sea Canal Dead Sea- Mediterranean Sea Canal

Jordan River Rehabilitation Project : the Lower Jordan River, specifically focusing in major changes in agriculture, capturing runoff and flood water, “fertigation” and drip irrigation) Gain political support from Palestinian, Israeli and Jordanian governments in order to effectively make that happen Focuses on Rehabilitation and Sustainability Backed by EcoPeace/ Friends of the Earth Middle East First must identify how water could potentially be transferred to

Red Sea-Dead Sea Canal (RSDSC) & Dead Sea-Mediterranean Sea Canal (DSMSC) Location of the canals (Asmar, 2003). Although RSDSC and DSMSC are two separate canals, they are almost identical in the way they have been planned to operate. DSMSC has been designed to work along with the RSDSC canal. Purpose: To compensate for the negative water balance of the Dead Sea To provide desalinated drinking water for the people in the area.

A 112 mile pipeline transferring water from the Gulf of Aqaba to the Dead Sea (Sharp, 2008). The Canal would consist of "a combination of open canals, pipelines and tunnels. The length and alignment of these elements depend on the route adopted" (Asmar, 2002). Hydroelectricity generated by descending water is planned to power desalination plants. Figure: "Desalination arrangement", Asmar 2002 Red Sea-Dead Sea Canal

Environmental Consequences: h Diverse ecosystems in delicate equilibrium h Including wetlands, marshlands & deserts h Some of the major side effects: g Disruption of the water column g Algal bloom g Coral reefs in Gulf of Aqaba at risk

Conclusion Degradation of the Dead Sea is due to human activity –Through mining, agriculture, general consumption The best option for rehabilitation is to build both canals and restore the Jordan River There are various barriers: –Negative effects on ecosystem and economy –Costs –Political conflict in the Middle East But sustainability for the area would be gained