The sequence stratigraphic analysis of epicontinental coal-bearing basin differs from thatof continental margin basin. In the vast epicontinental coal basin of the Late Paleozoic inNorth China

the sea level changed suddenly and frequently

the paralic coal measuresformed in this condition is thinner than the sequence of marginal sea basin. Based on thebasin-filling characteristics

the control of sea level change over the types and spatial distribution of depositional systems

the basic thought and method of sequence stratigraphic analysis of epicontinental basin have been proposed as fallows:the classification of third order sequence and the intrasequence structural units could be taken at the same time; the recognition of maximun marine flooding surface

sequence interfaces

subsequence interface and depositional system tract could be taken at the same time