Distributed optical fibre sensing, employing either Rayleigh, Raman, or Brillouin scattering, is the only physical-contact sensor technology capable of accurately estimating physical fields with spatial continuity along the fibre.This unique feature and the other features of standard optical fibre Hoodies/Fleece sensors (e.g., minimal invasiveness and lightweight, remote powering/interrogating capabilities) have for many years promoted the technology to be a promising candidate for geo-hydrological monitoring.Relentless research efforts are being undertaken SENSITIVE SCALP BALM to bring the technology to complete maturity through laboratory, physical models, and in-situ tests.
The application of distributed optical fibre sensors to geo-hydrological monitoring is here reviewed and discussed, along with basic principles and main acquisition techniques.Among the many existing geo-hydrological processes, the emphasis is placed on those related to soil levees, slopes/landslide, and ground subsidence that constitute a significant percentage of current geohazards.