AM Heron’s specialization was in Geology. He was Assistant Superintendent and Director, Geological Survey of India, Kolkata (1906-39). He was also Director, Department of Mines and Geology, Hyderabad State, Deccan (1939-49) and Director, Geological Survey of Pakistan (1945-51).

Academic and Research Achievements: Heron worked out the geology of Rajasthan in great detail and with a remarkable insight. His work led to three classic memoirs of the Geological Survey of India and several papers in records. Heron concluded that highly metamorphosed rocks of the Delhi system owed their character to the depth of orogenic burial granitization in the heart of the Aravalli range synclinorium, and are younger than the generally less altered Archaean rocks of the Aravalli System. After retirement from GSI, Heron was engaged by the erstwhile Hyderabad State where he investigated the iron-ore deposits of Bailadila range and established the reserves of high-grade haematite amounting to some 3,600 million tons. These deposits are the source of ore to one of the major iron and steel plants in India. He worked out the Tavoy tin deposits of Burma.

Other Contributions: Heron took part in the first Mount Everest Expedition in 1921.

Awards and Honours: Heron was the President, Geology & Geography Section of Indian Science Congress (1938). He was the Fellow of Geological Society, London and the first Secretary of INSA (1935).