Abstract:Ice is the core material in cryosphere, while the physical properties as well as physical processes of cryospheric components vary obviously because of difference in ice proportion and other material compositions. A large number of laboratorial studies and extensive field investigations in the middle and late of 20th century have determined the basic concepts of ice physical properties and the outlines of physical characteristics of these cryospheric components. With establishment of the cryospheric science system and requirement of the socio-economic development, research emphasis of cryospheric physics should be put on three aspects in future. One is further investigation of ice physical properties in details in order to provide accurate parameters for modelling, disaster prevention, and cryospheric service. Another is the laboratory simulation of combined processes of the cryosphere, especially entity and similarity simulations. The third is to promote the coupling between cryospheric models and further between models of cryosphere and other spheres.