9422583 Spilhaus The International Permafrost Association (IPA) of the International Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS) will provide coordination and communications for international scientific programs related to permafrost. The IPA, through working groups; special projects; and conferences and workshops will address issues such as global change and permafrost; periglacial processes and environments; cryosols; mountain permafrost; foundation engineering in permafrost environ- ments; seasonal freezing and thawing of permafrost; permafrost at high latitudes and in rugged topography; and international exchange of data and information. The IPA Secretariat ensures planning, de- velopment, and implementation of these activities, working under the direction of the IPA Council. The Secretariat plans and orga- nizes meetings of the Council, its Executive Committee, and working groups; and prepares and distributes working documents for and re- ports of IPA meetings, as well as other IPA documents and reports, draft scientific papers and a regular newsletter. ***
