A new study, published in Scientific Reports, shows saltwater from the Dead Sea is seeping into the Jordan Rift Valley. Scientists mapped hidden leakage paths where saline water moves through ravines and geological faults into the land.
The team made 195 field measurements across 12 square kilometres in Ghor Al-Haditha on the eastern shore in Jordan. They found seepage down to about 100 metres and up to 1.75 kilometres into the shallow aquifer. The worst intrusion was in Wadi Bin Hammad, northwest of Karak, where sinkholes have damaged farmland and roads.
Maps can help communities avoid digging wells in dangerous areas and guide water projects to safer places.
Difficult words
- salinity — The amount of salt in water or soil.saltiest
- affect — To change or have an impact on something.affects
- create — To make or produce something new.
- farmers — People who grow crops or raise animals.
- grow — To increase in size or develop.growing
- quality — The standard or level of something.
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- What do you think can be done to help farmers affected by the Dead Sea?
- How does increased salinity impact the environment?
- Why is it important to monitor water levels in lakes?
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