[1] It flows through the north of the Ust-Urt plateau, and reaches the Caspian by a series of shallow lagoons, which were navigable in the 18th century.

Lower down, after the waters of the Temir River flow into it, the Emba's valleys widen to almost 7 kilometres (4 mi).

But around 100 kilometres (62 mi) before it enters the Caspian Sea, it breaks off in places to form several lakes, which are connected to each other through slender channels that only run during flooding.

This area was known since olden days as Maily Kiyan, which means the land blessed with miracle oil.

The British merchant Gok mentioned in the mid-17th century that during his travels he came to a spring near the Emba River that spouted oil instead of water.