The structural architecture of northeastern Nevada is characterized by a pronounced variation in structural deformation and intensity. Complexly faulted and folded ranges with severely attenuated stratigraphic sections adjoin and alternate with ranges showing little or no such deformation. Intervening Tertiary basins show variable geometries with complex sub-basins that depend on the overall morphology of the fault system.

The separation of multiple and poorly exposed deformational events across northeastern Nevada is difficult at best. The following discussion is a brief review of the most significant structural events and elements responsible for the complicated structural style of northeastern Nevada. These events are discussed from generally oldest to youngest.