AMMAN. Aug 7: The Dead ■Sea, the saltiest body of water on earth and world-renowned tourist resort, is shrinking at an alarming rate and might disappear in 20-25 years. Jordan Times reported today, reports Xinhua.

Landlocked in the Jordan Valley between Israel and Jordan. the Dead Sea has shrunk to around 50 kilometers in length from 80 kilometers three decades ago due to drought, pollution and over exploitation, the paper said.

Some 90 per cent of the Jordan river water, is now being diverted into Jordan and Israel after the two countries signed a peace treaty in 1994. and the river water's quality has deteriorated due to agricultural runoffs and increased salinity.

Water fountains around the sea are also dammed to gather water for agricultural purposes, while other fountains were polluted, Jordan Times said.

Industrial activities around the Dead Sea's banks also contributed to the problems, massive evaporation pools vaporise the sea's water to extract minerals and for manufacturing beauty products.

Environmental impacts on the Dead Sea also include air pollution caused by dust and fuel burning, and disposal of hazardous materials, experts said.

Due to these factors, the Dead Sea might disappear in 20-25 years, warned Dureid Mahasneh. former general secretary of the Jordan Valley Authority of the desert kingdom.

He said the Dead Sea s water level drops by 10 to 15 centimeters every year in modern his-

Each year, millions of tourists from all over the world are flocking to its shores to float on its water, which contains high level of sulphur.