EarthScope is a National Science Foundation program to explore the structure and evolution of the North American continent and understand the processes that cause earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. Speakers are selected based on their outstanding research accomplishments involving EarthScope as well as their abilities to engage a variety of audiences. Each speaker presents science-based lectures on their own EarthScope-related project, and their talks include an introduction highlighting broader EarthScope objectives and accomplishments. The 2009-010 EarthScope Speaker Series is presenting scientific results of EarthScope research to faculty and students in departmental seminars at colleges and universities.

Travel and lodging expenses for Speakers are provided by the National Science Foundation. Each host institution will provide local support to "meet and greet" the speaker, advertise and facilitate the lecture (including any room-rental expenses), and introduce the speaker to campus activities related to EarthScope. Some speakers may also be available to present an additional general audience lecture arranged by mutual agreement between the host institution and the speaker.