Abstract: In order to determine the sedimentary characteristics and depositional environment of the Early Pleistocene gravel layers at the western edge of Dongting Basin, the authors systematically measured and counted several Quaternary gravel profiles in Doumuhu area of South Changde, based on the 1:50 000 geological survey. The results show that the gravels mainly come from the Cambrian or Precambrian strata. The gravel sorting coefficient S_a ranges from 1.16 to 1.64, with some measuring points of S_a>1.40, which indicates that the gravel layers are deposited with strong hydrodynamic force condition and some of gravel layers are rapid accumulation deposits. Most gravel is flat, with the gravel flatness F from 2.06 to 2.32, which is more than 2.0. The weathering degree of the gravel is low to moderate, with strong weathering degree in some gravel, which means that the weathering exposure exists during the gravel movement. The preferred orientation of gravels shows that the paleocurrents mainly come in the direction of SWW-NW, which indicates that the paleoceanography of the gravel deposition is much different from the modern topography. Through comprehensive comparison of the sections, the authors could conclude that the gravel layers are mainly braided fluvial sediments from alluvial-diluvial fans. The results can provide some new ideas about the sedimentary facies and paleoceanography of the layer gravel, and also support the exploration of the primary diamond deposits in this area.