This study was conducted to distinguish the compositions and provenance of sandstones and siltstones in the Ek1-Es3 members of Huimin (惠民) depression. The samples have been analyzed for petrographic, major element and selected trace element compositions (including REE). The results show that the sandstones from the first member of Kongdian (孔店) Formation (Ek1) have higher quartz compositions than those from the fourth member (Es4) and the third member (Es3) of Shahejie (沙河街) Formation. The alkali feldspar/plagioclase ratio in the A-CN-K diagrams decreases in the order Ek1>Es4>Es3, which suggests that the Ek1 member had a more alkali feldspar-rich granitoid source and more intense weathering of the source than the Es4 and Es3 members. The mineral distributions in the A-CN-K diagrams also indicate that the sandstones and siltstones in the three members underwent K-metasomatism. Extrapolation of the sandstones and siltstones back to the plagioclase-alkali feldspar line in the A-CN-K diagram suggests a high average plagioclase to alkali feldspar ratio in the provenance (tonalite to granite). In addition, the chemical index of weathering (CIW) and chemical index of alteration (CIA) parameters of the sandstones and siltstones suggest that the weathering of the first cycle material was intense, and the CIW decreases in the order Ek1>Es4>Es3. Trace element ratios suggest all the sedimentary rocks were mostly derived from granitoids. Elemental ratio plots (e.g., Th/Sc vs. Eu/Eu*) of sandstones and siltstones suggest a mix of a granodiorite-tonalite source as a source of the sandstones and siltstones. The sandstones and siltstones of Es3 and Es4 members also contain higher Eu/Eu* and lower Th/Sc ratios than the sandstones and siltstones of Ek1 member. As is consistent with the petrography, it suggests that the sandstones and siltstones of Es3 and Es4 members are derived from a source with less granite and more granodiorite-tonalite than the sandstones and siltstones of Ek1 member.
