Extensional and transtensional tectonic deformation leads to the formation of fault-bounded sedimentary basins, which may be inverted by subsequent compressional or transpressional tectonic events. Examples of such inverted basins can be found around the globe, and an in-depth understanding of inversion processes is not only important from a scientific – structural geology and tectonics – point of view but also for unravelling trap structures that can play a role in resource exploration and underground storage. Analogue modellers have studied basin inversion processes since at least the 1980s, providing important insights into the dynamics involved, but have dedicated only limited attention to the topic over the past decade(s). This special issue therefore aims to spark a renewal of basin inversion modelling efforts, and we invite contributions focussing on a number of suggested key topics.

Next to advancing fundamental concepts in basin inversion through cutting-edge analogue modelling efforts, this special issue is also intended to promote and further establish analogue modelling as a quantitative method for studying tectonic processes and to bring together the international analogue modelling community (with full support from the EPOS Multi-scale Laboratories, MSL, network). We therefore urge authors not only to present novel modelling studies of basin inversion but also to actively discuss, establish, modernize and describe (lab) protocols and to include extensive background information on their modelling techniques. We furthermore encourage creating videos or poster presentations that can be shared online, broadcasting the magic and beauty of analogue modelling to the wider (Earth sciences) community and to the general public.

If you are interested in contributing to this special issue and would like to know more, please send us a message (email to: frank.zwaan@geo.unibe.ch).

Continental rifting is a fundamental aspect of the Earth's plate tectonic cycle, leading to the development of rift basins and eventually to continental break-up as well as the formation of divergent margins and new oceans. Studying rift basins and divergent margins is of great importance since they comprise the most complete record of global change on Earth, encompassing the geochemical (and geodynamic) variations that accompany the break-up of continents. In parallel, they contain both widely investigated and still unexplored and unassessed natural resources, which are all crucial for a successful energy transition, whilst also representing one of the main loci of geohazards on Earth. In order to keep improving our knowledge of rifting, continental break-up processes, and divergent margin formation, as well as to cover the current and future needs of global society, we need to continue expanding and developing our scientific approaches as well as to further explore new ideas and challenge established interpretations.

This special issue aims to approach the study of extensional tectonics and continental break-up from a novel and dynamic viewpoint by compiling state-of-the-art research from varied Earth science disciplines, with a specific interest in research relevant to the (future) needs of our global society. We invite general and case studies with a focus on (but not limited to) three main subtopics detailed below, and we especially welcome contributions that build bridges between these topics:

• rift and divergent margin development,

• geo-resources (past, present, and future), geo-storage, and sustainability; and

• natural and induced hazards.

Continental rifting is a fundamental aspect of the Earth's plate tectonic cycle, leading to the development of rift basins and eventually to continental break-up as well as the formation of divergent margins and new oceans. Studying rift basins and divergent margins is of great importance since they comprise the most complete record of global change on Earth, encompassing the geochemical (and geodynamic) variations that accompany the break-up of continents. In parallel, they contain both widely investigated and still unexplored and unassessed natural resources, which are all crucial for a successful energy transition, whilst also representing one of the main loci of geohazards on Earth. In order to keep improving our knowledge of rifting, continental break-up processes, and divergent margin formation, as well as to cover the current and future needs of global society, we need to continue expanding and developing our scientific approaches as well as to further explore new ideas and challenge established interpretations.

This special issue aims to approach the study of extensional tectonics and continental break-up from a novel and dynamic viewpoint by compiling state-of-the-art research from varied Earth science disciplines, with a specific interest in research relevant to the (future) needs of our global society. We invite general and case studies with a focus on (but not limited to) three main subtopics detailed below, and we especially welcome contributions that build bridges between these topics:

• rift and divergent margin development,

• geo-resources (past, present, and future), geo-storage, and sustainability; and

• natural and induced hazards.

Extensional and transtensional tectonic deformation leads to the formation of fault-bounded sedimentary basins, which may be inverted by subsequent compressional or transpressional tectonic events. Examples of such inverted basins can be found around the globe, and an in-depth understanding of inversion processes is not only important from a scientific – structural geology and tectonics – point of view but also for unravelling trap structures that can play a role in resource exploration and underground storage. Analogue modellers have studied basin inversion processes since at least the 1980s, providing important insights into the dynamics involved, but have dedicated only limited attention to the topic over the past decade(s). This special issue therefore aims to spark a renewal of basin inversion modelling efforts, and we invite contributions focussing on a number of suggested key topics.

Next to advancing fundamental concepts in basin inversion through cutting-edge analogue modelling efforts, this special issue is also intended to promote and further establish analogue modelling as a quantitative method for studying tectonic processes and to bring together the international analogue modelling community (with full support from the EPOS Multi-scale Laboratories, MSL, network). We therefore urge authors not only to present novel modelling studies of basin inversion but also to actively discuss, establish, modernize and describe (lab) protocols and to include extensive background information on their modelling techniques. We furthermore encourage creating videos or poster presentations that can be shared online, broadcasting the magic and beauty of analogue modelling to the wider (Earth sciences) community and to the general public.

If you are interested in contributing to this special issue and would like to know more, please send us a message (email to: frank.zwaan@geo.unibe.ch).