On the basis of our study of the present sediments in the northern part of the continental

shelf of the South China Sea

this article clarifies our views that a “three-zone pattern” is the basic feature of transgression-type sedimentation. The classification of transgression-type sedimentation of the present continental shelf is based on: the close relationships between the formation of the present continental shelf and the position of the low sea level of the Würm glacial stage

the genetic types and environmental features of sedimentary zoning

the relationship between the formation of glauconite with different maturity and the migration of coastline

the speed of tranagression

and the overlying speed of sedimentation. We put forward the genetic name of the “three-zone pattern” to denote: All these are of significance to the study of fossil marine strata.