Which of the following best explains why the Dead Sea is extremely salty and rich in minerals?

• A. It is located near active volcanoes that release minerals directly into the water.
• B. It has a high rate of evaporation and limited water inflow, causing minerals to concentrate.
• C. It is artificially salted by human activities for commercial purposes.
• D. It receives large amounts of mineral-rich rainwater from surrounding mountains.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that the salinity of a body of water depends on the balance between water input (like rivers and rain) and water loss (like evaporation).
2. Recognize that if a lake has limited inflow of fresh water and a high rate of evaporation, water leaves but minerals remain, causing mineral concentration to increase.
3. Consider that the Dead Sea is a landlocked body of water with no outlet, so minerals brought in by inflow accumulate over time.
4. Note that active volcanoes or artificial salting are not the primary reasons for the Dead Sea's salinity; natural processes dominate.
5. Conclude that the best explanation is the high evaporation rate combined with limited water inflow, which concentrates minerals and makes the Dead Sea extremely salty.