Dr. Hamilton's research focuses on geological surface processes to better understand the evolution of the Earth and other planetary bodies. His specialty relates to volcanology and specifically to lava flows, magma–water interactions, and explosive eruptions using a combination of field observations, remote sensing, geospatial analysis, and geophysical modeling. These topics provide insight into 1) the evolution of planetary interiors, surfaces, and atmospheres through magma production, ascent, and volcanism; 2) hydrothermal systems; and 3) comparative planetology and climatology.