What is the purpose of the research on Dead Sea?

A unique drilling exploration project in the Dead Sea aims to uncover layers of ecological history, which may shed light on questions relating to global climate and earthquake conditions, officials said.
    The project, sponsored by the International Continental Drilling Program and the Israel Academy of Sciences and Humanities, will feature an international team of scientists from the United States and Europe as well as Palestinian and Jordanian researchers. At 422 meters below sea level, the Dead Sea is the lowest point on Earth. The project will drill a further 300 meters below the seabed. On the drilling platform, workers insert 3-meter pipes into the earth below the sea. When the pipes are returned they are opened. Inside them is another clear glass pipe which allows the scientists to look at the various layers representing different time periods. (28)The $2.5 million project is expected to last 40 days. However, the scientists expect its findings to keep them busy for years to come.