About Thompson
Thompson is a stratovolcano rising to -1,250 meters (-4,101 feet) in New Zealand's Tonga-Kermadec Volcanic Regions. No historical eruptions have been recorded, though the volcano is classified based on geological evidence of past activity.
Geography & Climate
Thompson is located in New Zealand, within the Southern Kermadec Volcanic Arc of the broader Tonga-Kermadec Volcanic Regions. Situated at 35.28° S, 178.86° E in the Southern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a temperate climate zone. With an elevation of -1,250 meters — below sea level — Thompson is a submarine or submerged volcanic feature. Submarine volcanoes make up the majority of Earth's volcanic activity, though most eruptions go unobserved beneath the ocean surface. The volcanic landform is characterized as a composite, which describes the physical shape and structure of the volcanic edifice as observed from the surface.
0 Recorded Eruptions
No eruption records available for Thompson.
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Thompson
Is Thompson an active volcano?+
Thompson is not currently classified as active. Its activity evidence is listed as "unknown." No recorded eruptions have been documented. However, no volcano is ever considered permanently extinct.
How high is Thompson?+
Thompson has a summit elevation of -1,250 meters (-4,101 feet) above sea level. With an elevation of -1,250 meters (below sea level), this is a submarine or submerged volcanic feature.
What type of volcano is Thompson?+
Thompson is classified as a Stratovolcano. Stratovolcanoes (also called composite volcanoes) are steep, conical volcanoes built up by many layers of hardened lava, tephra, and volcanic ash. They are among the most common and dangerous types, known for explosive eruptions.
Where is Thompson located?+
Thompson is located in New Zealand, in the Tonga-Kermadec Volcanic Regions. More specifically, it lies within the Southern Kermadec Volcanic Arc. Its exact coordinates are -35.285° latitude, 178.863° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Thompson?+
Thompson can generally be visited, but as with any volcano, visitors should check local conditions and any advisory notices before traveling. New Zealand may have specific regulations for accessing volcanic areas. Guided tours are often the safest and most informative way to experience a volcano.