The basic principles of rational use of frozen ground in the course of the economic development of the permafrost regions

The intense pace of economic development of the territories within the permafrost region continues to increase steadily. Under the effect of different types of development all or some of the components of the natural environment, including the geocryological conditions, can change, resulting in transformations of the natural complex as a whole. The geological environment' is defined as an essential constituent of the natural environment. We address it in several aspects as far as various types of economic activity are concerned: 1) as the engineering-geological environment in which different structures are developed and operate; 2) as a source of mineral resources; 3) as the geological environment, the most important component of the natural complex as an animal and human habitat.

Engineering geocryology as a branch of geocryology studies the freezing ground of the Earth's crust as an environment for human life and activity. Among the main problems of engineering geocryology is the engineeringgeological background for design, construction and operation of different engineering structures and undertakings within the permafrost region. The aim is to provide and select the most reliable and economic means of development of an area.

One of the main features of design, construction and operation of engineering structures within the permafrost regions is the necessity to take into account and to regulate heat exchange between the ground, the construction and the environment.