Abstract: Based on the data of AMS¹⁴C dating, grain-size analysis and XRF analysis of Core FJ04 from the northern part of the East China Sea, using R-factor analysis as a tool, this paper discussed the relation between grain-size and elements, and the relation among elements. The results show that contents of most elements increased with grain-size decrease, except Ca and Sr, even the change is little during the last 3 ka. However, poor correlation exists between grain-size and contents of Ba, Th and P. Factor analysis demonstrates that the contents of elements depend upon grain-size, input of biogenetic calcium carbonate, influence of sea water and pore water, the weathering intensity of parent rocks and the redox process in the depositional environment.