Modelling continental rift dynamics Continental rift systems open up unique possibilities to study the geodynamic system of our planet: geodynamic localization processes are imprinted in the morphology of the rift by governing the time dependent activity of faults the topographic evolution of the rift or by controlling whether a rift is symmetric or asymmetric. Since lithospheric necking localizes strain towards the rift centre deformation structures of previous rift phases are often well preserved and passive margins the end product of continental rifting retain key information about the tectonic history from rift inception to continental rupture. Current understanding of continental rift evolution is based on combining observations from active rifts with data collected at rifted margins. Connecting these isolated data sets is often accomplished in a conceptual way and leaves room for subjective interpretation. Geodynamic forward models however have the potential to link individual data sets in a quantitative manner using additional constraints from rock mechanics and rheology which allows to transcend previous conceptual models of rift evolution. ...