It's impossible to say definitively who the "best" geologist is. There are many brilliant geologists working today, each with their own unique expertise and contributions to the field.

Here are some factors to consider when trying to determine who might be considered "best":

* Research and Discoveries: Who has made the most groundbreaking discoveries or contributions to our understanding of the Earth?

* Teaching and Mentorship: Who has inspired and trained the next generation of geologists?

* Public Outreach and Communication: Who has effectively communicated the importance of geology to the public?

* Impact and Influence: Whose work has had the most lasting impact on the field?

Rather than trying to rank geologists, it's more valuable to appreciate the diverse talents and contributions of the many brilliant minds working in this field.

Here are some highly respected and influential geologists:

* Marie Tharp: Pioneered the mapping of the ocean floor, revolutionizing our understanding of plate tectonics.

* Walter Alvarez: Co-discovered the Chicxulub impact crater, providing evidence for the asteroid impact that wiped out the dinosaurs.

* Stephen Jay Gould: Influential paleontologist and evolutionary biologist who wrote popular science books that made geology accessible to the public.

* Robert Hazen: Pioneer in mineral sciences, focusing on the formation and properties of minerals.

* Susan Kieffer: Volcanologist who studies volcanic eruptions and their impact on the Earth.

This is just a small sample of the many amazing geologists who are shaping our understanding of the Earth. To learn more about these and other influential geologists, I recommend exploring resources like the Geological Society of America, the American Geophysical Union, and the National Academy of Sciences.