10 - GEOCRYOLOGY PAST AND FUTURE

Summary

Geocryology and geotechnique

In this book we have been concerned with the scientific understanding of the cold regions. In doing so we build upon a long tradition that dates back to the early explorers, who were struck by the distinct terrain of these remote regions and the obvious contrasts with the temperate and inhabited regions from which they came. We have noted the diversity of terrain associated with cold climates, and that such conditions are not limited to the polar regions. Freezing of the ground also occurs to an important extent in regions that have been quite heavily populated for centuries. Parts of the Soviet Union, even Moscow itself, and much of southern Canada and the northern United States are characterised by very cold winters. In the cold regions more generally, however, including much of the Arctic, temperatures remain low in the summer as well, limiting plant growth, and native, nomadic populations have held sway until this century. Only with the arrival of European settlers intent on introducing urban centres and military, industrial and technological activities of various kinds, have these typical cold regions of the North been subject to more intense and practical investigation.

Technological innovation has also led to frozen ground having an importance quite unrelated to natural climatic conditions: artificial freezing to provide soil strength in civil engineering procedures such as tunnel and mine shaft construction is assuming an importance that makes studies of the behaviour of frozen ground as an engineering material imperative.