Why is the water of the Yellow River yellow?

The yellow color of the Yellow River water is mainly caused by yellow particles suspended in the water. The main reasons for the yellow color of the Yellow River are as follows:

1. Suspended sediment: The Yellow River basin has steep terrain and fast current, and the mud and rocks on the riverbed are washed and suspended in the water. These sediment particles are very fine. When suspended in water, they will scatter light and make the water yellow.

2. Loess Plateau: The Yellow River flows through the Loess Plateau in China, where the soil is rich in yellow loess. When loess is washed into the Yellow River by water, it will make the water yellow.

3. Desert sandstorm: There is a large desert in the upper reaches of the Yellow River. In sandstorm weather, sand and dust will be blown into the Yellow River by the wind, which will increase the suspended particles in the water and make the water yellow.

4. Plant residues: There are a lot of vegetation in the Yellow River basin, and plant residues and dead leaves will also be washed into the Yellow River by water, which will increase the organic content in the water and cause the water to appear yellow.

Generally speaking, the yellow color of the Yellow River water is caused by suspended sediment and organic matter. This is one of the reasons why the Yellow River got its name, because its water is obviously yellow.