A sediment core was collected from the centre of Wanghu Lake, in the middle reaches of the Yangtze River. The core was dated using a combination of ²¹⁰Pb, ¹³⁷Cs; spheroidal carbonaceous particle (SCP) techniques were applicated. The laminated section between 723 and 881mm, dated to the 18th century, was selected for detailed study. The thickness of the laminae was measured using a reflecting microscope whilst geochemistry was determined by an electron probe. The thickness of the dark layers was found to be positively correlated with titanium concentrations and the minerals rutile and ilmenite, and negatively correlated with potassium concentrations and the mineral hydromica. The thickness of the light layers was found to be negatively correlated with the concentrations of potassium, titanium and ferric oxide and the minerals rutile and ilmenite. It is concluded that the dark layers were deposited from the Fushui River, a tributary of the Yangtze River, under periods of normal flow whilst the light layers were deposited from the Fushui and the Yangtze River itself during flood periods.