Reactivation of pre-existing zones of crustal weakness commonly results in structural generation of low-relief (≤ 10¹m) topographic bulges, here called welts, which affect contemporary depositional processes. Lower Cretaceous (Albian) Glencaim, Mesa Rica and Pajarito strata above Sierra Grande basement structure in northeastern New Mexico reveal a spectrum of depositional effects that are best attributed to penecontemporaneous elevation of such a low-relief welt and argue for Albian reactivation of underlying Sierra Grande basement structure.

Transgressive and regressive offshore marine strata of the Glencairn section pinchout in association with the Sierra Grande axis reflecting nondeposition and/or erosion of marine strata above higher Sierra Grande topography. Fluvial Mesa Rica Sandstone overlies a sequence-bounding unconformity above marine Glencairn strata, and represents deposition from predominantly straight, single-channel streams. Increased abundance of lateral-accretion and abandoned-channel-fill architectural elements in Mesa Rica Sandstone on the southeastern (paleo-downstream) flank of the Sierra Grande uplift infers an increase in channel sinuosity that is restricted to this location. Increased sinuosity of Mesa Rica channels on the southeastern flank of the Sierra Grande uplift occurred in response to increased stream gradients on the downstream flank of a topographically positive Sierra Grande welt.