Abstract:With the systematic investigation and interpretation of modern carbonate depositional environment and the deepening understanding of carbonate sedimentary principle, a series of carbonate depositional models have been established since 1960s, especially the models built by Wilson and Tucker are widely recognized and used. However, the epeiric and drowned platform failed to give sufficient attention compared with rimmed shelf and ramp. Unlike the past, the current sea level is relatively too low to develop the widespread epeiric sea. However, in geological history, the epeiric seas once covered a wide range of cratonic areas and became one of the most important sites for carbonate deposits in geological history. Based on the previous results, the five types of carbonate platforms, i.e. rimmed shelf, ramp, epeiric, isolated and drowned platform, have been described and discussed in great detail, with emphasis on the depositional model of the epeiric and drowned platform. The tidal flat deposits in a large scale, the wide ranging oolitic shoal, the flatpebble conglomerates and frequent drowning event of Cambrian in North China provide an excellent example for sedimentary patterns of epeiricdrowned carbonate platform. These examples and research not only show the complexity of carbonate sedimentary environment and sedimentary process, but also provide important clues in understanding of sedimentary principle and interpretation of sedimentary environment.