The Sea of Galilee (Lake Tiberias) is a magnificent geographical marvel surrounded by pretty rural agricultural settlements. It is not a real sea – it is called a sea because of tradition. Lake Tiberias is the largest freshwater lake in Israel. The lake measures 53 km in circumference 21KM north-south and 141 feet deep. Lake Tiberias (Seas of Galilee) is partly fed by underground springs related to the Jordan sector of the Great Rift Valley.
The maximum water comes from the Jordan River. Which is a winding course that can be seen draining the south end of the lake at the bottom. The Jordan River rises on the slopes of Mount Hermon, on the border between Syria and Lebanon, and flows southward through northern Israel to the Sea of Galilee. Thus, the other streams and wadis (seasonal watercourses) flow into the lake from the hills of Galilee.
Lake Tiberias is also famous as the Sea of Tiberias, Lake of Gennesaret, Lake Kinneret, and the Sea of Galilee. This is the lowest freshwater lake on Earth and the second-lowest lake in the world after the Dead Sea. Lake Tiberias is situated between Golan Heights and Galilee region in the Jordan Rift Valley. This area has a history of volcanic history evident by the abundant basalt and igneous rocks that define the geology of Galilee.
Lake Tiberia’s warm water supports various flora and fauna. That supported commercial fishery for over 20 years. The notable fish species to be found include damselfish, scaleless blennies, catfish, mouth breeders, and barbels. Sea of Galilee is one of the earliest settled areas and brags archaeological ruins sitting together with some of the first pioneering settlements in Israel, as well as religious sites, modern cities, and endless outdoor pursuits.
The Lake Tiberias (Sea of Galilee), is Drying Up
The sea of Galilee has severe drought as of 2018 for many years. Lake Tiberias is expected to get to the black line the lowest depth from which irreversible damage starts and no water can be pumped out anymore. However, in Sep 2018 the Israeli energy and water office announced a project to purr desalinated water from the Mediterranean Sea into the Sea of Galilee.
They will be using an underground tunnel expected to be the largest of its kind done in Israel. This project will transfer half of the Mediterranean desalted water and will push 300 to 500 Million cubic liters of water per year. Three-quarters of the drinking water consumed by Israeli households comes from these desalination plants.
The Sea of Galilee has suffered from four consecutive years of rain shortages, making the water situation serious. The lake has fallen to its lowest level in 100 years. The Israeli government monitors water levels and publishes the results daily on the official website. Lake Tiberias is at risk of becoming irreversibly salinized by the salt water springs under the lake. Which are held in check by the weight of the freshwater on top of them? Tourism around the Lake Tiberias is an important economic branch.
The religious and historical sites draw both local and foreign tourists. Due to Lake’s sheltered location, and low elevation, the winters are mild, with temperatures averaging 57 °F in January. The summers are hot, with temperatures averaging 88 °F (31 °C). Also, the absence of freezing temperatures has facilitated the cultivation of bananas, dates, citrus fruit, and vegetables.
The shortage of rainfall is affecting agriculture, the environment, and animal life in the nearby area. About five miles on the east side of the Sea of Galilee there is Hamat Gader situated – a hot spring one of Israel’s most popular attractions. With mineral springs of up to 50 degrees, there have been ancient baths here for almost 2000 years. There is also an alligator and rare exotic bird reserve. The region also has loads of hiking trails, including the Sea of Galilee Trail which encircles the lake.
Lake Tiberias in Islam
One of the major points is mentioned in Islam that the sea of Galilee will dry up actually is one of the signs of the end of times! The disappearing Sea of Galilee and Emergence of DAJJAL the Anti-Christ, Prophet Muhammed (PBUH) told humans 1400 years ago!
When the Sea of Galilee dries up the Prophet Isa (A.S) will return and Gog and Magog will drink the entire water and then they will be destroyed. The prophecy of the drying up of Lake Tiberias (Sea of Galilee) is established from two Authentic Hadith.
Also Read: Lonar Lake ! Maharashtra’s Best Kept Secrets
Source: Wikipedia ! Earth Observatory
