Lecture 1 — Fiber Optic Distributed Sensing as a Window on Subsurface Flow
Presented by: 2024 Darcy Lecturer – Dr. Matt Becker
Produced by: IAH NSW
Date: Monday 02 December 2024
Time: 17:30 for an 18:00 start
Where: Level 27, WSP Office, 680 George St, Sydney NSW 2000
Abstract:
The advancement of fiber optic distributed sensing over the past two decades has enabled the measurement of subsurface hydraulics and geomechanics at unprecedented temporal and spatial detail. Fiber optic distributed sensing systems operate by firing laser light down a fiber optic cable and using backscattered photons to measure temperature, vibration, or strain. Kilometers of measurements can be made at scales as small as a centimeter and at sampling intervals of less than a millisecond. We will look at how this technology has improved our understanding of subsurface flow related to diverse applications such as stream discharge, managed aquifer recharge, remediation of contaminated sites, aquifer testing, fracture hydromechanics, and energy resources. As these instruments become more reliable, accurate, and economical, opportunities for revolutionary observations of groundwater systems will continue to expand in the coming decades.
Bio:
Matthew “Matt” W. Becker, Ph.D., is the Conrey Chair in hydrogeology and professor of Earth sciencesat California State University, Long Beach, USA. He holds degrees in geology and civil engineering, and has worked with Los Alamos National Laboratory, the U.S Geological Survey, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, and the University at Buffalo. Becker has also been awarded Fulbright scholarships for Italy and Australia. His primary focus of research is fluid flow in highly heterogeneous subsurface environments.
Becker will present one of the following two lectures at participating venues starting December 5, 2023 at NGWA’s Groundwater Week Science
& Engineering Forum through November
2024.
