COMMENTS ON THE SPACE-TIME EVOLUTION OF THE SYSTEM CREATED IN THE NUCLEUS-NUCLEUS COLLISION AT HIGH ENERGY.

The space-time evolution of the system created in the high-energy nucleus-nucleus collision is a complex, non-perturbative phenomenon which consequently largely escapes model-independent theoretical predictions. In this paper, we summarize the main findings gathered on this phenomenon from studies of spectator-induced electromagnetic effects as well as rapidity spectra in light- and heavy-ion systems at the CERN SPS. Main emphasis is put upon the evolution of the system in the longitudinal direction, where the CERN SPS energy regime is probably the highest where reasonably complete experimental coverage can be provided. Implications of these studies for other energy regimes, in particular the LHC, are shortly addressed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]