Abstract:
Raman spectra distributed temperature sensing (DTS) by fiber-optic cables has
recently shown considerable promise for the measuring and monitoring of surface and
near-surface hydrologic processes such as groundwater–surface water interaction,
borehole circulation, snow hydrology, soil moisture studies, and land surface energy
exchanges. DTS systems uniquely provide the opportunity to monitor water, air, and
media temperatures in a variety of systems at much higher spatial and temporal
frequencies than any previous measurement method. As these instruments were originally
designed for fire and pipeline monitoring, their extension to the typical conditions
encountered by hydrologists requires a working knowledge of the theory of operation,
limitations, and system accuracies, as well as the practical aspects of designing either
short- or long-term experiments in remote or challenging terrain. This work focuses on
providing the hydrologic user with sufficient knowledge and specifications to allow sound
decisions on the application and deployment of DTS systems.
