Why doesn't any of the water that flows into the Dead Sea flow out of it? — Kent of Cedartown , GA

Dear Kent,

No water flows out of the Dead Sea because it is a "closed basin." This means that the water has no way out. But, water does leave the Dead Sea by evaporation (e-VAP-uh-RA-shun). Evaporation occurs when water turns into a vapor, which rises into the air. The temperature is hot and the air is dry at the Dead Sea. This causes its water to evaporate quickly. This process keeps it from overflowing.