The formation of Neoarchean continental crust in the south-east Superior Craton by two distinct geodynamic processes

•Large new time–space geochronological, geochemical and isotopic dataset used to analyse crustal evolution in the Archean south-east Superior Craton.•We propose a new geodynamic model for the Neoarchean south-east Superior Craton.•δ18O, ΔFMQ, and other zircon and whole-rock geochemical proxies, indicate two geodynamic processes in operation at different times.•The transition from plume-rift to subduction tectonics occurred at ca. 2704–2695 Ma.•The advent of subduction would have had major implications for the Neoarchean environment via increased oxidation of associated magmatism and crustal recycling.