AbstractBased on the analysis of the rare earth elements (REEs) concentration, ratios and distribution pattern in the acid fractions at the Xiaohushan (XHS) section in Ejina basin. The results show that the δCe-ΣREE plot and regression equation can clearly distinguish sediments from lacustrine deposits and the eolian sand. The boundary can be described as an orthogonal polynomial equation by ordinary linear regression with sediments from the lacustrine deposits located above the curve and sediments from the eolian sand located below the curve. And the plot also can better identify samples which formatted in the combined effect of the wind and water. This method can be used to distinguish the sediments from different sedimentary facies intuitively and quantitatively. And the result can be test and verify by Shell bar section in Qaidam basin.