William Thomas Blanford (1832-1905) was a British geologist, naturalist, and explorer known for his significant contributions to the fields of geology, meteorology, and zoology. He was born on October 7, 1832, in London, England, and passed away on June 23, 1905.

Key Contributions and Achievements:

1. Geological Surveys: Blanford conducted extensive geological surveys in various regions, including India and Burma (now Myanmar). He made important observations on the geology and mineral resources of these areas.
2. Meteorological Research: Blanford also made significant contributions to meteorology and climatology. He collected meteorological data from different parts of India and contributed to the understanding of weather patterns and climate in the region.
3. Ornithology: Blanford had a keen interest in ornithology and conducted research on birds, especially those found in India and surrounding regions. He contributed to the identification and classification of several bird species.
4. Zoological Collections: Blanford collected specimens of various plants and animals during his explorations, contributing to the understanding of the fauna and flora of the regions he visited.
5. Scientific Publications: He authored several scientific papers and books on geology, meteorology, and zoology. His works have been valuable references in these fields.
6. Academic and Institutional Roles: Blanford held various academic and institutional positions, including serving as the superintendent of the Geological Survey of India.
7. Honors and Recognition: Blanford received numerous honors and awards for his contributions to science, including being elected as a fellow of the Royal Society and receiving the Founder’s Medal of the Royal Geographical Society.

William Thomas Blanford’s explorations, research, and writings significantly advanced the understanding of geology, meteorology, and zoology in India and other parts of Asia. His work has had a lasting impact on the fields of earth sciences and natural history, and he is remembered as a prominent scientist and explorer of the 19th century.