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Fiber-Optic Distributed Temperature Sensing of Hydrologic Processes—Diverse Deployments and New Applications by the U.S. Geological Survey

Fact Sheet 2025-3006
Groundwater and Streamflow Information Program
By: , , , , , , and 
https://doi.org/10.3133/fs20253006

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Abstract

Fiber-optic distributed temperature sensing instruments harness the temperature-dependent properties of glass to measure temperature continuously along optical fibers by using precise pulses of laser light. In the mid-2000s, this technology was refined for environmental monitoring purposes such as snowpack-air exchange, groundwater/surface-water exchange, and lake-water stratification. Fiber-optic distributed temperature sensing has revealed unprecedented details about preferential flow processes; however, the method is labor intensive and requires specific training, resulting in limited use by the broader water community. With the ongoing national implementation of the U.S. Geological Survey Next Generation Water Observing System, there has been renewed interest in harnessing the unique spatiotemporal monitoring capabilities of fiber-optic distributed temperature sensing. This fact sheet briefly describes this technology, highlights uses by the U.S. Geological Survey, and discusses current applications and future opportunities.

Suggested Citation

Briggs, M.A., Rey, D.M., Opatz, C.C., Terry, N.C., Newman, C.P., Gruhn, L.R., and Johnson, C.D., 2025, Fiber-optic distributed temperature sensing of hydrologic processes—Diverse deployments and new applications by the U.S. Geological Survey: U.S. Geological Survey Fact Sheet 2025–3006, 6 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/fs20253006.

ISSN: 2327-6932 (online)

ISSN: 2327-6916 (print)

Table of Contents

  • What Is Fiber-Optic Distributed Temperature Sensing, and How Has It Been Used by the U.S. Geological Survey?
  • Examples of FO–DTS Applied to Diverse Hydrologic Monitoring
  • Application to U.S. Geological Survey Hydrologic Monitoring Technology Testbeds
  • Opportunities for Broader Implementation of FO–DTS Monitoring
  • Acknowledgments
  • References Cited
Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Fiber-optic distributed temperature sensing of hydrologic processes—Diverse deployments and new applications by the U.S. Geological Survey
Series title Fact Sheet
Series number 2025-3006
DOI 10.3133/fs20253006
Publication Date March 24, 2025
Year Published 2025
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Reston, VA
Contributing office(s) Colorado Water Science Center, New York Water Science Center, Washington Water Science Center, WMA - Observing Systems Division
Description 6 p.
Online Only (Y/N) N
Additional Online Files (Y/N) N
Additional publication details