Sao Tome
Shield · 2,024m · Sao Tome and Principe
About Sao Tome
Sao Tome is a shield rising to 2,024 meters (6,641 feet) in Sao Tome and Principe's Northern Africa Volcanic Regions. No historical eruptions have been recorded, though the volcano is classified based on geological evidence of past activity.
Geography & Climate
Sao Tome is located in Sao Tome and Principe, within the Western Africa Volcanic Province of the broader Northern Africa Volcanic Regions. Situated at 0.20° N, 6.58° E in the Northern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a tropical climate zone. At 2,024 meters above sea level, Sao Tome rises above the surrounding terrain into montane or subalpine conditions. The elevation creates distinct ecological zones along its flanks, from forested lower slopes to exposed rocky terrain near the summit. The volcanic landform is characterized as a shield, which describes the physical shape and structure of the volcanic edifice as observed from the surface.
GVP Reference Summary
Sao Tome is a roughly conical island in the Gulf of Guinea that rises from a depth of 3,000 m below sea level. The S and W parts of the island are more dissected, and dramatic phonolitic and trachytic spines rise vertically out of the rain forest. Most of the lavas erupted over the last million years are basaltic in composition. Argon isotope dating reported by Barfod and Fitton (2014) showed that the most recent activity was 0.036 +/- 0.004 Ma, following frequent eruptions over much of the Pleistocene.
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
0 Recorded Eruptions
No eruption records available for Sao Tome.
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Sao Tome
Is Sao Tome an active volcano?+
Sao Tome 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 Sao Tome?+
Sao Tome has a summit elevation of 2,024 meters (6,641 feet) above sea level. At 2,024 meters, it is comparable in height to many significant mountain peaks and stands well above the tree line.
What type of volcano is Sao Tome?+
Sao Tome is classified as a Shield. Shield volcanoes have distinct geological characteristics that set them apart from other volcanic types.
Where is Sao Tome located?+
Sao Tome is located in Sao Tome and Principe, in the Northern Africa Volcanic Regions. More specifically, it lies within the Western Africa Volcanic Province. Its exact coordinates are 0.200° latitude, 6.580° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Sao Tome?+
Sao Tome can generally be visited, but as with any volcano, visitors should check local conditions and any advisory notices before traveling. Sao Tome and Principe may have specific regulations for accessing volcanic areas. Guided tours are often the safest and most informative way to experience a volcano.
