How the Dead Sea is shrinking as its water level falls each year

The Dead Sea, a salt lake bordered by Jordan, Israel and the West Bank, is losing water at a rapid pace, with its surface dropping by roughly four feet annually. The decline is driven mainly by diversion of water from the Jordan River and its tributaries for agriculture, industry and drinking supplies. Mineral extraction operations that pump water into evaporation ponds have also contributed to the shrinkage. As the lake recedes, sinkholes have appeared along its shoreline, posing risks to nearby infrastructure and land. Environmental groups and the bordering countries continue to discuss measures to slow the loss, though no comprehensive solution has yet been agreed.