The devastation caused by seismic wave propagation within minutes of earthquakes is interconnected with processes shaping plate boundaries over millions of years. The recent collection of high-resolution data before, during, and after earthquakes provides new insights into fault mechanics and seismic hazard, particularly when combined with new computational and analogue strategies. Independent advances have occurred in studies of the geological and topographic structures formed by multiple earthquake cycles. We seek contributions that cross timescales both within and between these research areas, with the aim of understanding the physical processes governing the seismic cycle and the construction of geological and topographic structures. Specific questions include how long-term crustal and lithospheric dynamics and structures affect short-term seismicity and earthquake cycle behaviour, and conversely how earthquake cycles result in the construction of geological and topographic features. To answer such questions we need insights about the rheology and behaviour of active faults and surrounding rocks. We intend to stimulate a discussion about the interplay between seismicity, earthquake cycle dynamics and the geological and geodynamic evolution of deforming zones. We invite contributions from all disciplines relating to geology, geodynamics, seismology, geodesy and geomorphology, encouraging both modelling and observational studies.