The session invites contributions that expand a broad spectrum of processes and time and space scales. We invite studies that investigate the forces leading to the initiation of rifting, the evolution of the modes of extension of the lithosphere, the gradual localisation and time and space migration of the deformation, or the relative importance between magmatic and tectonics in their interplay. These are all processes inadequately understood and often summarised by conceptual end-member models. The time and space evolution from continental rifting to the formation of the transition to an oceanic system, the nucleation of spreading cells and spreading segments, although locally described, are not yet linked to well defined processes. Further, we encourage contributions on the 3D interaction between seafloor spreading and rifting, the role of spreading center propagation and ridge jumps, again all interpreted in some regions, but their significance is still not incorporated in models. Likewise, a better understanding of the time scale of currently active processes, from earthquake rupture to magma chamber evolution, have implications for understanding changes trough longer-scale time. Thus, we also welcome contributions that use comparatively short-term studies, to investigate the styles and rates of processes during the evolution of large-scale Earth systems.