Abstract High-resolution seismic stratigraphic and geomorphic analysis reveals the evolution of a shelf to intraslope basin on the Santos Basin continental margin, offshore Brazil. Within a late Cretaceous framework of high confidence 3D-seismic-stratigraphic correlations, exceptional quality seismic-geomorphic beach-ridge-, canyon-, channel- and lobe-elements are analyzed with particular focus on their temporal and spatial relations. Shallow and deep marine, partly gravity-driven processes associated with depositional outbuilding of the continental margin generate local gradients and sea-floor topography that determine cyclic changes in aggradational and degradational patterns. This is manifested in the proportion, distribution, size, shape and orientation of shoreline, shelf edge, canyon, slope-channel and intraslope submarine fan depositional elements. The evolution of the continental margin is a response to the dynamic changes in sediment delivery, shelf accommodation, local slope gradient, seafloor topography, and mobile salt substrate geometry. The study documents significant sandy submarine fan deposition development along an over-all high accommodation margin, typically associated with higher frequency episodes of relatively low shelf accommodation expressed as normal progradation, flat shoreline trajectory, and narrow (<10km width) shelf development. Genetically connected, continuous sediment fairways develop and span from beach-ridge/shore-face systems via combined shelf/slope positioned canyon to intraslope basin submarine fan systems. Longshore drift and/or storm re-suspension processes is inferred to deliver sandy sediment to shelf-portion of submarine canyon. Farther down-dip transport and deposition is driven by gravity flows. The observed (wide) longitudinal to lateral aspect ratio (~10 km × ~20 km) is explained as a direct response to the salt-influenced intraslope basin topography, as well as significant lateral-directed drive to fan growth relative to basin-restricted longitudinal (downdip) growth. Negative shelf accommodation manifested by subaerially incised valley(s) features are not observed and is thus not a necessity for submarine fan development.