In 1961, the Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory was established to address the need for more research into working and living in cold climates around the world. The US Army Corps of Engineers, which specializes in engineering and environmental research and development for the US military, is in charge of it. While the lab’s primary focus is on the lab’s research’s potential military applications, some of the findings can also be applied to the civilian world.
The laboratory’s headquarters are in Hanover, New Hampshire, on Dartmouth College-leased land. There are also branches in Alaska and Vermont that conduct additional research. The Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory has a number of specialized labs that can create extremely cold temperatures and intense conditions that are associated with cold regions of the earth, in addition to being located in cold regions that lend themselves to research.
The research conducted by the Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory is divided into several areas. In cold climates, one of the most important tasks is to construct and maintain infrastructure such as buildings and roads. The lab also studies maneuverability in cold climates, with a focus on developing vehicles and other equipment that can operate in extreme temperatures in support of potential military operations. Mobility is critical to the success of active militaries and is an important part of troop support.
Environmental issues are also investigated at the lab. It conducts terrain studies and investigates environmental issues that are unique to cold climates. Environmental and contamination concerns have been brought to the attention of the military, and these issues are being investigated. Environmental remediation in extreme environments presents unique challenges, which the Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory is attempting to overcome. Scientists don’t have to travel far from the lab to conduct research and practice environmental assessment and cleanup now that the primary site has been designated a Superfund due to military contamination.
As can be seen, much of the lab’s work focuses on military issues, but it can also be applied to civilian life. The lab’s equipment is used by a variety of people and nations in Antarctica and the North Pole, for example. The Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory, like other Corps of Engineers operations, is critical to maintaining American military strength and versatility.