The Raton-Clayton volcanic field is located at the northeastern end of the Jemez Lineament. This is a zone of crustal weakness, possibly corresponding to a boundary between ancient crustal provinces. The region also sits above the eastern end of the Alvarado Ridge, an enormous uplift reaching from the Colorado Plateau to the western High Plains. This is an area underlain by buoyant mantle that is welling up and melting as it decompresses.