The Sierra Nevada is bordered by strike-slip faults, particularly the Walker Lane Fault Zone, which accommodates lateral motion between tectonic plates.

The Sierra Nevada range lies near the boundary between the Pacific and North American tectonic plates. This region is influenced by the Walker Lane Fault Zone, a system of strike-slip faults that runs parallel to the San Andreas Fault. These faults allow horizontal movement and accommodate a significant portion of the relative motion between the two plates. Unlike normal or reverse faults that involve vertical displacement, strike-slip faults are characterized by lateral sliding. This system plays a crucial role in shaping the geology of the eastern Sierra Nevada and is associated with seismic activity in the area, influencing regional tectonics.