I-type and S-type granites in the Earth’s earliest continental crust

Abstract The composition and origin of Earth’s earliest continental crust remains enigmatic due to the absence Hadean (>4 Ga) age rocks. Here we address this question by using machine learning examine provenance 4.4–3.3 Ga Jack Hills zircons, which constitute best archive crust. Our results reveal that although some zircons may be derived from trondhjemite-tonalite-granodiorite series rocks, were common during Archean (4–2.5 Ga), most (as high as ~70%) are sourced igneous (I-) sedimentary (S-) type granites. This finding provides clear evidence for rocks other than suite in Considering I- S-type granites typical modern convergent plate margins, presence a proportion these supports operation horizontal, mobile-lid tectonic regime early Earth.