Integrated geophysical surveys on railroads in permafrost areas

The zones of thawed ground in the permafrost area are most dangerous from engineer-geologist effect point of view. Detection of such zones, as making forecast of their movement is the main task of engineer-geologist survey been held in railway industry. This paper presents general issues concerning railway construction and operation in permafrost areas. Comprehensive geophysical methods to monitor the development of thawed soils are considered in detail. The main physical parameters which help define permafrost and thawed soil patches are described. Author of current paper pointed out main factors, allowing predicting potential areas of development of thawed grounds. They offered set non-destructive methods: GPR investigations, seismic survey and electric exploration. Whole sets of geophysical data: electric resistivity, velocity of S-wave and P-wave (and their correlation), allow us with high confidence specify characteristics and state of soil either under the line of road, or near it. At the same time the method allows to predict direction of further development of thawed ground area.