The Basin and Range Province was formed primarily by tectonic activity.

This region's distinctive landscape of alternating mountain ranges and valleys is the result of extensional tectonics, where the Earth's crust has been stretched and fractured over millions of years. As tectonic plates pull apart, normal faulting occurs, creating the linear mountain ranges that run north-south and the low-lying basins between them. This geological process has shaped the region's topography, leading to the unique features that define the Basin and Range Province. The ongoing tectonic activity continues to influence the landscape, contributing to its dynamic nature and diverse ecosystems.