1.1 This terminology includes all of those terms which relate to frozen soils and rocks.

1.2 It is based on: a list of definitions drawn up by ASTM Sub-Committee D18.19; ASTM standards; a list of definitions drawn up by the Canadian Geomorphology Research Group (CGRG); the Glossary of Permafrost and Related Ground-Ice Terms developed by the National Snow and Ice Data Center (NSIDC), at the University of Colorado, at Boulder; the Keys to Soil Taxonomy of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA); and contributions by a number of individuals.

1.3 For all of the terms included, the source is included in parentheses after the definition.

1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.