Distributed optical fibre sensing, employing either Rayleigh, Raman, or Brillouin scattering, Ice Molds 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 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 to bring the technology to complete maturity through laboratory, physical models, and in-situ tests.The application HOSE 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.