Main Results of Geocryological Research by the Melnikov Permafrost Institute in the Early 21st Century

This paper gives a brief history and presents the main results of scientific research and organizational and popularizing activities of Melnikov Permafrost Institute, Siberian Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, for the last two decades of the 21st century. The results of the institute in different areas, both basic and applied, are outlined. The institute is researching the dynamics of the continental and subaquatic permafrost zone within the Russian Arctic. Emphasis is placed on analyzing the Arctic cryogenic ecosystem for global climate warming. Significant progress has been achieved in engineering geocryology, permafrost monitoring, permafrost mapping, and other areas. The results of research are used in assessing the stability of engineering structures and motor roads, the ecological security of northern cities, optimizing the use of agricultural lands in the permafrost zone, and determining the prospects for using subpermafrost water in the cryolithozone as an alternative source of water supply and cryogenic resources of Russia. It is pointed out that the main conditions for successful development of modern geocryology implies the improvement of instrument and laboratory facilities used in research, as well as organizing the exchange of knowledge and data via conferences and cooperative projects by combining efforts of scientists from different countries and organizations. The solution of a complex set of geocryological problems in these conditions is possible with the appropriate support from the state.