Clyde A. Wahrhaftig (December 1, 1919 – April 6, 1994) was an American geologist who worked for the United States Geological Survey and taught at the University of California at Berkeley.

[1] When heart issues began to affect his physical activities in the mid-1980s, he shifted his research to the nearby California coast range.

He was also active in environmentally-based community projects, working extensively in the Bolinas and Tomales Bay areas[1] Wahrhaftig was a dedicated user of public transportation, partially motivated by his concern about the environment impact of fossil fuels.

[11] Wahrhaftig made significant scientific contributions to the field of geology; his work is credited with inspiring the research of many colleagues and students.

[12] He was one of the first Bay Area scientists to bring the role of plate tectonics in causing earthquakes to public awareness.

He was also a pioneer in applying geological science to environmental problems, with a particular focus on forest management practices (e.g., effects of logging on soil erosion).

After 2 years of army service (during which Wahrhaftig continued to send him geology books), Cox returned to the university and changed his area of study to geophysics.