Basin and Range

Basin and Range

The Basin and Range province takes its name from series of basins (valley-like depressions) and surrounding mountain peaks, which form the “range.” The basins are not true valleys at all. Tectonic forces, not water, are the prime agents shaping this landscape. The “valleys” are actually grabbens that are either sinking relative to the mountains (horsts), which in some cases are being thrust upwards.