Major element chemistry of the Huanghe (Yellow River), China - weathering processes and chemical fluxes

The chemistry of major elements (Ca, K, Mg, Na, SiO₂, Cl^-, SO₄^-2 and alkalinity etc.) from the Huanghe (Yellow River) is examined with data obtained from the main channel in August 1986 in combination with previous studies. The results show that the dissolved load of the Huanghe relative to water discharge and in absolute terms is very high compared with other major world rivers. The Huanghe transports seawards ca. 410 × 10⁹ mol year^-1 of dissolved ions with a chemical erosion rate close to the world average. Atmospheric input of major elements to the Huanghe is very limited. Weathering and erosion are of primary importance in affecting river chemistry, which is accelerated by anthropogenic activities (e.g. farming). Globally, high chemical loads are observed from large Asian rivers, in consequence of serious physical and chemical erosions and bad farming over the Sino-Indian subcontinent.