The conceptual, generalized model of the lava-poor rift-to-drift transition based on the numerical model results, paleomargin geology, and Deep Ivory Coast Basin seismic experiments. After the asymmetric, continental detachment fault system forms during the exhumation phase of rifting, symmetric, out-of-sequence detachment faults that are kinematically linked to lithospheric shear zones form in association with mantle core complexes. These new faults dip toward the continent and reflect a change in the stress environment due to the buoyant force of magma upwelling from below. As this new, mantle detachment fault system develops it splits into multiple, anastomosing faults to extensional duplexes of sub-continental mantle and formerly asthenospheric mantle. In the footwalls of these faults, mantle that has been intruded by mafic melts (magmatically accreted) is brought up to form the first Layer 3 of oceanic crust. Meanwhile, the volume of volcanism increases as the lithosphere at the rift axis thins and more conduits for melt (dikes, dunite channels, and detachment faults) form. These volcanic units (sheeted dike complexes, volcaniclastics, and lava flows) eventually form into Layer 2a and 2b of oceanic crust. Thus, the initiation of seafloor spreading is a transitional process between gravitational forced extensional tectonics and magmatically forced extensional tectonics.