Abstract: The vertical distribution characteristics of As, Cr, Cu, Cd, Zn, Pb, and Hg in the core sediments of Weihai Bay were analyzed based on the results of AMS¹⁴ C dating, particle sizes, and heavy metal content of WHW-06 core sediment samples in Weihai Bay. Enrichment factor (EF), geoaccumulation index (I_geo), and potential ecological risk index (RI) were used to assess the risk of heavy metal pollution. Combined with correlation analysis and principal component analysis, the sources of the heavy metals were discussed. Results show that from bottom to top or the core section, the content of As, Cd, and Hg showed an overall upward trend, and the contents of Cr, Cu, Pb, and Zn increased first and then decreased, which is consistent with the variation trend of the average particle size. EF evaluation showed that As and Hg were slightly enriched at some depths. Index I_geo revealed slight Hg pollution in the core, and occasional As and Cd pollution at some depths. Index RI indicated a medium risk level of heavy metal pollution in mainly the upper part of the core. In addition, correlation analysis and principal component analysis presented that Cr, Cu, Cd, Zn, and Pb were mainly from the natural sources, and the changes in As and Hg contents may be affected by human activities. After data normalization, the heavy metal contents displayed a rapid upward trend in the past 200 years, which may be related to the pollutants from human activities since the industrial revolution.