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Dead Sea Receding; Changes Effected in Potash Extraction Operations

September 16, 1960
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The Dead Sea, which has been steadily shrinking through the ages, is now receding visibly, forcing changes in mechanical operations for potash extraction, officials reported today.

The potash works company has been compelled to install floating pumps and dredges in place of the fixed equipment used heretofore, Wooden quays which were on the shore, now in many cases are scores of feet from the receding water’s edge.

Geologists have reported that in prehistoric times, the Dead Sea was 160 miles long. It is about 50 miles long at present. After the First World War, the Dead Sea waters were near the entrance of the Sodom cave. The shoreline now is about 350 feet away.

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