The present day cumulative distribution of areas of continental basement age provinces (as defined by radiometric estimates) follows an exponential function. A similar distribution is displayed by the reserves of their associated economic deposits and by the thickness and areal distribution data for the overlying sediments. This exponential pattern, similar to isotope decay systematics, is a result of recycling (s.l.). Each theoretically possible growth model must be complemented by an appropriate average recycling constant in order to generate the observed present day distribution. Computer simulation of the system suggests that: (a) the theoretical recycling (radiometric rejuvenation) constant b for the continental basement is $$\leq 6.5 \times 10^{-4}/10^{6}a$$. Strontium isotopic constraints favor $$2 - 4 \times 10^{-4}/10^{6}a$$ as the most likely b. Correcting for the effect of recycling, the emerging pattern of continental accretion (based on the available age data) is of a slow growth during the e...