In the upper portion of the Don�that is, as far downstream as the southeastward bend�the river flows along the eastern edge.... small widen

The left bank borders a flatter floodplain, and the river itself widens intermittently into small lakes; depths range from a few feet in the shoals to 33 feet, with a maximum width of 1,300 feet. In the middle course, to the beginning of the Tsimlyansk Reservoir, the valley widens to about four miles, and its path is marked by floodplains, more small lakes, and relict channels; the banks, especially the right bank, become steeper, with chalk, limestone, and sandstone predominating. small widen