The purpose of the USPA is to encourage scientific and engineering investigations in permafrost is related topics and to disseminate results related to permafrost research. The position of the USPA is to encourage sharing of knowledge and data in permafrost science. The USPA specifically promotes awareness of permafrost among the public and training of new generations of scientists and engineers to work in fields related to permafrost science and engineering. The USPA cooperates in sponsoring the International Conferences on Permafrost and co-sponsors other support activities and meetings.

We have been working to form a strong national organization of scientists and engineers interested in permafrost research. The International Permafrost Association has lasted 20 years and hosts an International Permafrost Conference every five years. The US Permafrost Association strives to contribute to IPA activities and is well-represented in national and international meetings where issues related to permafrost are discussed. Permafrost is an important component of the hydrosphere, biosphere and cryosphere and we need to educate the public in understanding its importance while we work to better understand how permafrost terrain continues to be influenced by natural and human disturbances.

Climate warming has been a long term process that with more recent concerns about accelerated warming effects, has generated a greater focus on potentially adverse impacts on frozen ground.