Application of strain to displacement conversion using optical fiber DAS in geophysical exploration: A case study of PoroTomo Network

This study examines the application of optical fiber technology in subsurface imaging and shows that the use of Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS) technology is more accurate and efficient than traditional seismic monitoring methods. At the Brady's Hot Springs geothermal field in Nevada, DAS recorded continuous high-resolution seismic data over a 15-day period using buried fiber optic cables. These data include seismic information from an explosion at the Nevada Test Site, which has contributed to the sensitivity and spatial resolution of DAS. The results show that DAS can perform continuous and dense spatial monitoring without the need for extensive instruments and detect small changes in seismic wave transit times with high accuracy. Compared to traditional geophysical sensors, this technology provides a more cost-effective and versatile method for monitoring in remote and difficult areas. The findings indicate that DAS can be an effective and transformative tool in the study of explosive sources, source dynamics, and seismic wave analysis. The PoroTomo Network setup, with DAS cables buried in a challenging geothermal field, underscores the value of DAS for capturing seismic information in environments where conventional seismic sensors are less effective or practical. Our findings support DAS as a transformative tool in subsurface imaging, with applications that extend beyond geothermal fields to any area requiring robust, continuous, and spatially detailed seismic monitoring. The implications of this research are significant for advancing remote geophysical exploration and real-time monitoring, as detailed in the following sections.

Application of strain to displacement conversion using optical fiber DAS in geophysical exploration: A case study of PoroTomo Network Keywords:

Distributed Acoustic Sensing , Gauge length , Spatial sampling