This document summarizes a heat-pipe model for early Earth's lithospheric dynamics and heat transport. Numerical simulations show that frequent volcanic eruptions could have advected surface materials downwards, developing a thick cold lithosphere. Declining heat sources over time would lead to an abrupt transition to plate tectonics. Evidence from the geologic record, such as rapid volcanic resurfacing and contractional deformation before 3.2 billion years ago, is consistent with predictions of the heat-pipe model. The model provides a framework for understanding Earth's evolution before the onset of plate tectonics.