The Yellow River, or Huang He, is the second-longest river in China and the sixth-longest in the world. It is called the 'Yellow' river because of the massive amounts of loose sediment, known as loess, that it carries from the Loess Plateau, giving the water a distinct golden-brown hue. While it is considered the 'Cradle of Chinese Civilization' because the early dynasties emerged along its banks, it has also earned the tragic nickname 'China's Sorrow' due to its history of devastating floods. Over the centuries, the river has changed its course multiple times, causing massive loss of life. To combat this, the Chinese government has built extensive levee systems and the Xiaolangdi Dam to control silt and flooding. Today, the river is a vital source of irrigation for North China, though it suffers from severe water scarcity and industrial pollution.