The evolution of the Cenozoic reefs-carbonate platform is considered a part of the South China Sea opening, and plays an important role in the deepwater hydrocarbon reservoirs, the global carbon circulation, and the South China Sea tectonic history. The platforms were formed during the early Miocene, and flourished during the early Middle Miocene. However, they became drowned since the Middle Miocene, and many platforms disappeared during the Quaternary. It is found that the carbonate platform of the South China Sea sees a developmental pattern from south to north and from east to west. The highest accumulation rate of the platform was reached during the Middle Miocene. The control of the platform life history is very complex. But the most important four factors are the tectonic activities, the changes in the relative sea level, the changes in the input of the terrestrial detrital materials, and the changes in the paleo-ocean environment, and they are considered to control the development and the death of the reefs-carbonate platform.

carbonate platform  /  coral reef  /  sea level  /  terrigenous clast  /  South China Sea