Uil

The Uil rises near the Mugodzhar Hills and flows west across the dry steppe towards the Caspian lowlands. Its banks become flatter as it leaves the uplands, and its lower course divides into branches and old channels among lakes and salt marshes. The river's tributaries include the bitter waters of the Ashchy Uil. Its valley cuts a long ribbon through the open country between the Ural and Emba rivers.