Research at the Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory

Research at the DoD’s U.S. Army Corp of Engineers Engineering Research and Development Center - Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory (CRREL) Activities Supported by Base Funds in FY2000 In FY2000, CRREL has continued to receive direct funds for a basic and applied engineering research program designed to improve both military and civilian operations affected by cold weather. This program does not support environmental change research directly, however many of the research results are applicable to a program like SEARCH. Further, understanding that the effects of climate change may be especially pronounced in colder regions, a common thread in CRREL’s diverse research program is a consideration of the impact of climate variability on the results of an investigation. CRREL FY00 SEACRH-related research efforts include: - Environmental quality: site characterization, cleanup, and prevention - Physical, mechanical, and electromagnetic properties of snow, ice, and frozen ground - Atmospheric boundary layer processes - Impact of ice covers in port and harbors - Permafrost degradation Outlook to FY2001 CRREL will continue its cold regions basic and applied research program. Basic research will continue to focus on improving the understanding of snow, ice, and frozen ground properties and energy exchange processes. Likewise, the applied research will look towards initiating the transition of this knowledge base into products that can be used to meet the Army objectives. A primary area of interest will be in supporting the development of combat systems that are light weight, rapidly deployed, and environmentally robust.

FY2000 = $1,500,000 FY2001 = $1,500,000