Keywords: 
• Upper Yangtze Platform /
• sedimentary environment /
• feef /
• Silurian

Abstract: The Paleogeographic pattern, regional sea level changes and reef distribution development were obviously controlled by different kinds of tectonic units. According to the tectonic unit characteristics of Upper Yangtze Platform such as the basement features and different kinds of platform margins, the authors discuss the platform topography, platform margins topography and other inter platform units and their controling activity to Silurian sedimentary environments and the reef development evolution. At the north margin of Upper Ynagtze Platform (South Qinling tectonic zone), which is a passive continental margin, the sedimentary environment was suitable for the development of reefs and the different kinds of reefs grew there. The west margin of the Platform (Jin Shajiang tectonic zone) belonged to an active continental margin, some patch reefs and biostromes grew on the island arc area. In the Platform, some areas were influenced by uplifts (NW Sichuan, SE Sichuan and N Guizhou) and the ramp sedimentary environments were formed. Usually, in the shallow ramp environment, the reefs developed very well with high deversity. But along the inter platform deep fracture zone (Longmenshan, Erlangshan Panxi Rift), reefs did not develop, only biostrome and small-patch reef assemblage can be seen. During the Silurian, the Upper Yangtze Platform was influenced obviously by global sea level change. Because of the sea level down, most part of Yangtze Platform did not receive deposits after Wenlock. But the platform margin depression areas were not influenced by the global sea level change, and reefs still developed after Wenlock. It indicates that the regional tectonic movement also controls the sea level change.