Introduction
The lowest points on Earth's surface are found along tectonic rift valleys and in dried-up lake basins. Several countries have significant areas below sea level.
Living below sea level requires engineering to prevent flooding and manage water resources.
1. Israel/Jordan/Palestine (Dead Sea)
- Lowest Point: -430.5 m (-1,412 ft)
- Feature: Dead Sea shoreline
- Dropping: ~1 m per year
The Dead Sea shore is the lowest point on Earth's land surface. The sea itself is dropping about 1 meter per year due to water diversion from the Jordan River.
2. Djibouti (Lake Assal)
- Lowest Point: -155 m (-509 ft)
- Feature: Lake Assal
- Notable: Lowest in Africa
Lake Assal is the lowest point in Africa and one of the saltiest bodies of water on Earth. Temperatures around the lake regularly exceed 50°C.
3. China (Turpan Depression)
- Lowest Point: -154 m (-505 ft)
- Feature: Turpan Depression
- Location: Xinjiang
The Turpan Depression in western China is the lowest point in mainland Asia. Despite the extreme heat and aridity, it has been inhabited for thousands of years using ancient underground irrigation channels called karez.
4. Egypt (Qattara Depression)
- Lowest Point: -133 m (-436 ft)
- Feature: Qattara Depression
- Area: 19,605 km²
The Qattara Depression is one of the largest below-sea-level areas in the world. There have been proposals to flood it from the Mediterranean to generate hydroelectric power.
5. Netherlands
- Lowest Point: -6.76 m (-22 ft)
- Feature: Zuidplaspolders
- Below Sea Level: 26% of country
The Netherlands is the most densely populated country with extensive below-sea-level territory. Its dike and polder system is an engineering marvel.
6. Ethiopia (Danakil Depression)
- Lowest Point: -125 m (-410 ft)
- Feature: Danakil Depression
- Temperature: Hottest inhabited place
The Danakil Depression is one of the hottest and most geologically active places on Earth. Colorful hydrothermal pools and active volcanoes create an alien landscape.
7. USA (Death Valley)
- Lowest Point: -86 m (-282 ft)
- Feature: Badwater Basin, Death Valley
- Temperature Record: 56.7°C (134°F)
Badwater Basin in Death Valley is the lowest point in North America. It holds the record for the highest reliably recorded air temperature on Earth.
8. Argentina (Laguna del Carbon)
- Lowest Point: -105 m (-344 ft)
- Feature: Laguna del Carbon
- Notable: Lowest in Western Hemisphere
Laguna del Carbon in Patagonia is the lowest point in the Western and Southern Hemispheres. It is a small salt lake in a remote depression.
Key Facts
- The Dead Sea shore at -430.5m is the lowest point on Earth's land surface.
- The Dead Sea is dropping about 1 meter per year and may eventually dry up.
- The Netherlands has 26% of its country below sea level, protected by extensive dike systems.
- Most of the world's lowest points are in rift valleys or tectonic depressions.
- Several countries have proposed hydroelectric projects using below-sea-level basins.
Fun Facts
- The Dead Sea is so low that the atmospheric pressure at its surface is about 5% higher than at sea level, providing slightly more oxygen.
- Ancient Romans used to hold their breath when passing the Dead Sea, believing its fumes were toxic.
- The Netherlands would flood immediately if its dike system failed, submerging cities including Amsterdam and Rotterdam.
- Death Valley's Badwater Basin occasionally fills with a thin temporary lake after rare rainstorms.
Final Thoughts
Countries with the lowest elevations showcase Earth's tectonic forces at work. These below-sea-level basins create unique environments, from the Dead Sea's extreme salinity to the Netherlands' engineering triumph over nature.
