We present simplistic quantitative models of rift basin filling, applying the concept of denudation-accumulation systems. Initial rifts are commonly oversupplied and develop a fluvial sedimentary environment because of a high morphometric ratio and high denudation rates due to high relief. During an advanced stage of riftevolution, an increasing morphometric ratio and declining denudation rates often lead to undersupplied conditions with a lacustrine and / or marine sedimentary environment. Sedimentation is here very sensitive to climate fluctuations, and prediction of evaporative mineral formation needs to be modeled by a geochemical computer program. The usefulness of our concept is demonstrated by applications to the Qinghai rift basin, China and the Turkana rift basin, East Africa. Their sediment filling was reconstructed since the Plioceneon the basisrates of extension, subsidence and denudation derived from field observations. The climate controlled short term evolution during the late Quaternary was modeled using ageochemical computer program, and predictions of formation of evaporitic minerals are provided for three different climate scenarios. In an outlook we emphasize the combination of the concept of denudation-accumulation systems with more sophisticated two dimensional models based on sequence stratigraphy.