Dee pwater sedimentary basins of passive margins are a hot field in petroleum exploration and sedimentology research. Based on the study of Niger Delta basin and Baiyun sag, Pearl River Mouth basin, making use of high resolution 3 D seismic data, the deepwater gravity flowdepositional elementsanddeepwater depositional systemsare discussed and three conclusions are made: (1) Deep water gravity flow depositional systems in different basins vary in general distribution, however they are all composed of basic depositional elements which are mass transport deposits, submarine channel, and lobe. (2) Due to the differences in gravity flow supply, continental slope topography, equilibrium profile, accommodation, and deposition process, there are significant differences in the deep water gravity flow depositional systems and their system stack styles in passive margin basins. (3) When the deep water gravity flow depositional elements are identified and characterized, the Main controlling factors should be taken into account for the deepwater gravity flow depositional system. It is unrealistic to accurately summarize and predict the gravity flow depositional system with any single model.