Imagine a pool where you can’t sink even if you wanted to. Yes, it exists and it’s called the Egyptian Oasis.
In the world of travel, Egypt undisputably holds thousands of years of history only comparable to Athens, Rome, and—to an extent—Istanbul. This cradle of Western Civilization holds one of the rarest resources, a pool that sinks no one – the Oasis in a town called Siwa, an allure that tourists don’t seem to get enough of.
Siwa Oasis is made up of a small community and boasts several attractions, but the main attraction here is the salt pools, hundreds of them. The unique thing about these salt pools is the inability to sink. This is because of the high salt concentrations—and not some priceless anti-drowning feature. No words can describe the thrilling experience of floating in the pools in the same manner an eagle would soar in the air effortlessly.
People cannot sink in Siwa Oasis because of the high salt concentrations. For those who’ve been to the Dead Sea, it’s the same thrilling experience. Why this is different from other waterbodies that are just as salty? The reason is that the salt concentrations at the Siwa pools are way higher than in typical ocean waters. While the actual concentration levels may not be as clear-cut or definite due to the high number of pools, all with different concentration levels, the salt concentration levels at the Dead Sea may be indicative of the levels in the Siwa pools. For a clearer perspective, the waters in the Dead Sea have a salt concentration of about 31 percent, that’s more than ten times that of a standard ocean.
So, here’s what takes place. The high salt concentrations increase the water’s buoyancy, described as the upward force that fluids exert on objects. The density of the water also goes up, again due to the salt content. These twin factors are the special floating agents responsible for making visitors recline leisurely on the surface of the water as only seen in the movies.
Allowing oneself into this pool will call for some nerve and composure. But this ethereal experience, like many of life’s joys—belongs to those who’ll dare.
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