Wilson likened his work to that of a crime scene investigator, piecing together the dual puzzle of why such cataclysmic explosions occur and why they are joined by much smaller eruptions.
His aim is to forecast volcanic phenomena with enough warning so communities can respond.
Wilson, who is British born but has based his career in New Zealand, said there were several things which fascinated him about volcanoes.
"The finding of new things that have not been recognised before; the challenge of trying to work out what has gone on in past eruptions; as well as the enjoyment of being able to work on things from the very large scale in the field down to the microscopic scale in the laboratory."
Wilson said volcanic systems were difficult to predict and people should be prepared.
"Many volcanoes show behaviour that is better described as chaotic, and not amenable to prediction," he said.
"There are steps that can be taken to minimise the damage from eruptions, and these have been learned both from New Zealand experience and overseas."
The tour is presented by Royal Society Te Apārangi in partnership with GNS Science, EQC and Victoria University of Wellington and is titled the Rutherford Lecture.
Royal Society Te Apārangi president and emeritus professor Richard Bedford said the lecture was a prestigious address and urged members of the public interested in volcanoes to attend the talk.
New Zealand is on the edge of the Pacific Ring of Fire, a zone including more than 75 per cent of the world's volcanoes.
Lake Taupō was created by one of the world's most violent volcanic eruptions.
To attend one of the talks register at royalsociety.org.nz/events.
Bay of Plenty talks
- Rotorua, August 21, 6pm at Millennium Hotel
-Tauranga, August 22, 5.30pm at Tauranga Yacht and Boat Club
- Whakatāne, August 23, 5.30pm at Whakatāne Little Theatre
- Napier, August 28, 6pm at Napier Conference Centre Ballroom
- Gisborne, August 29, 6pm at War Memorial Theatre
- Taupō, August 30, 5.30pm at Great Lake Centre Theatre
