What is the Dead Sea? 

The Dead Sea is a lake which the Jordan River empties into and in ancient times it was known by many names: Salt Sea, Eastern Sea, and Sea of Sodom for example. Most of the names reference the fact that its salt and mineral content is over 30% (compare with the oceans having a salt content of 6%). This is because water only leaves by evaporation (about 1 inch a day) and there is no life in the Dead Sea except for simple organisms.

Dead Sea Guide: What is the Dead Sea | Where is the Dead Sea | Why is the Dead Sea important