US names mountain after Indian-US scientist Sinha

WASHINGTON: The US has named a mountain in Antarctica after eminent Indian-American scientist Akhouri Sinha whose pioneering biological research expedition has provided vital data about animal populations.

Sinha, adjunct professor in the Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development at the University of Minnesota, was recognised by the US Geological Survey, which named the mountain Mt Sinha for the work he did as an explorer.

Sinha was a member of a team that catalogued population studies of seals, whales and birds in the pack ice of the Bellingshausen and Amundsen Seas using US Coast Guard Cutters Southwind and Glaciers in 1972 and 1974.

The mountain was named by Advisory Committee on Antarctic Names (US-ACAN) and the US Geological Survey.

Mt Sinha, a mountain (990 metres) at the southeast extremity of Erickson Bluffs in the south part of McDonald Heights, overlooks lower Kirkpatrick Glacier from the north in Marie Byrd Land.“Anyone can see the Mt Sinha, Antarctica on Google. com or Bing.com,” Sinha told PTI in an interview.“Show to the world that you are capable, don’t be afraid to contact people out in the field today, and grab every opportunity,” he said.

Sinha said he was invited to conduct research on reproduction of Antarctic seals by the National Science Foundation Antarctic Programme.