Scientists from Israel and the University of Bonn in Germany have conducted a study to learn more about the geologic history of the Dead Sea.  Their findings indicate that the area around the sea was sometimes lush and tropical and sometimes desert.  These changes occurred within a matter of a few short decades.  The team analyzed pollen found in sediment and the fluctuation of sea levels in order to glean climate change information. Read more here.

Image from atlastours.net