Abstract:Cryotropic gel-forming systems have been developed at the Institute of Petroleum Chemistry SB RAS in Tomsk, Russia. They are capable of generating gels at 0-20 , subsequently converting to cryogels during freezethaw cycles which exhibit high elasticity and adhesion to rock. Both laboratory and field experiments are reported here, including 2003-2004 pilot tests conducted to seal a leaking interval at the base of a dam at the Irelyakh hydrosystem, Stock Company "ALROSA", Yakutia.