The purpose of this work is to provide those contemplating scientific or engineering activities in cold regions with a general picture of their geology and physiography. The cold regions are the Arctic, Alaska, Canadian Arctic and subarctic, Greenland, Iceland, Jan Mayen Svalbard, Scandinavia, U.S.S.R., and the Antarctica.

The monograph outlines the influence of a cold environment on sanitary engineering works and services. It then deals with water supply in cold regions: sources, distribution systems, treatment processes and possible future supply from other than geological sources. (Author).

The monograph describes the various kinds of foundations used for structures on permafrost with a brief discussion of foundations in areas of seasonal frost. Special attention is given to piled foundations in permafrost and the design of ventilation systems for controlling thaw under heated buildings. Appendixes outline techniques for computing the depth of freezing or of thawing, the design of refrigeration systems for artificial freezing, and the recommended procedure in the USSR for static pile tests. Included in the main text are 51 figures and 62 selected references. (Author).

The main items dealt with in the monograph are: practice and problems, collection and transport, treatment and processes, thermology, re-use and regenerative processes, and construction and operation. (Author).