The study looked at how operating three big reservoirs on the Yellow River affects the river's water flow. The researchers found that building these reservoirs changed how much water flows downstream. During flood season, less water from the reservoirs ends up in the river, but more is released in non-flood times. The way the reservoirs are managed also affects when the river's water levels peak. Overall, the reservoirs' operation alters how water moves through the Yellow River and impacts how much water evaporates or soaks into the ground.