Origin of folds in the Permian Yeso Formation, Lincoln, New Mexico
— Walter Yuras

Large-scale disharmonic folds occur within sediments of the middle Permian Yeso Formation near Lincoln, New Mexico in T2S, R16E. These flexural-slip and flexural-flow folds contrast with the near-homoclinal attitude of the conformable, overlying San Andres Formation. This unique setting has led to various estimates of the age of fold formation that have ranged from middle Permian to early Recent. Previous theories of fold origin favored gravitational gliding as the mechanism of deformation. However, the forms of the folds and their kinematic orientation indicate that the Lincoln folds are not consistent with features considered typical of gravity-induced folds. Investigation into regional structural relationships shows the Lincoln folds to be most closely related to the development of the Sierra Blanca basin—Mescalero arch trends in south-central New Mexico. The high-angle tectonic transport reflected in the folds was brought about by tectonic compression and high pore pressures generated by late Laramide subsidence of the Sierra Blanca basin.