Fig. 1: Diagrams showing the upstream and downstream reservoirs and hydrological stations in the study area.

A Schematic diagram of the studied reservoirs. Dots indicate dam locations; lines represent general directions, rather than actual river channels. Distances in the river courses are shown. B Map of the Yellow River basin showing the locations of major reservoirs, gauging stations, and cities. C Multiyear average water and sediment fluxes at gauging stations along the mainstream of the Yellow River prior to reservoir construction (1952–1959).