The rare-earth elements and trace elements in clastic rocks of Gaoyou Depression were studied to understand the geological features. The rocks suggest an active continental margin with stable platform sediment characteristics. The source rocks come from felsic and intermediate acidity arc provenance in the area. The main sources are structural salients like Tongyang Uplift and Zheduo low bulge. The depositional environment is freshwater-brackish water, except for the offshore lake basin area.