The morphology of this mesa and the pattern of faded lava flows along its slopes radiating away from Thomagata (at least on its eastern side) suggest that Thomagata Patera and the mesa that surrounds it may be a shield volcano, also called a tholus on Io.
A morfoloxía desta mesa e o patrón dos regueiros de lava que flúen ó longo das pendentes, afastándose de Thomagata (polo menos na cara oriental) suxire que Thomagata Patera e a mesa que rodea a este podería ser un escudo de volcán, chamados tamén tholus en Io.