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Theme and objectives

Fibre optic sensing technologies provide a cost-efficient alternative to several conventional geophysical approaches. Fibre-based tools use changes in light properties to measure physical parameters such as strain, temperature, rotation, pressure, acceleration, and chemical compositions. Some of them enable us to obtain measurements of these parameters at high spatial and temporal resolution over several km. As a result of this versatility and exceptional capabilities, fibre optic sensing technologies are proving successful in an ever larger application scope in the field of Geosciences, including e.g., earthquake and volcano monitoring, near-surface imaging, ocean sciences hydrological monitoring, energy resources, structural health monitoring, etc.

The conference “Fibre Optic Sensing in Geosciences” aims to foster discussions among the diverse community involved and relevant to this field, including geoscientists, photonic experts, instrument manufacturers and fibre optic network providers. The ambition of the conference is to identify pathways for leveraging fibre optic networks and fibre optic sensing tools to improve resilience and sustainability in our modern Society.

Palazzo Platamone - Convento San Placido Via Vittorio Emanuele II

Conference format and programme

The conference will take place over 3 days covering 5 scientific sessions, and a 4th day field trip to Etna volcano. The sessions will address the following key topics:

  1. Fibre optic sensing: Principles, Techniques and Solutions
    Conveners: Felix Bernauer (LMU, München, Germany); Paul-Eric Pottie (Paris Observatory); Ali Masoudi (University of Southampton; UK)
  2. Fibre as a sensor for geo-hazards and geo-energy systems monitoring
    Conveners: Regina Maas (DIAS, Ireland); Evgenia Martuganova (Delft University, Netherland); Jean-Philippe Metaxian (IPGP, France)
  3. Fibre optic sensing in extreme environments
    Conveners: Arantza Ugalde (Institut de Ciencies del Mar, Barcelona; Spain); Sergio Diaz -Meza (GFZ, Potsdam, Germany); Dr. Fatih Yaman (NEC Laboratories America)
  4. Processing, modelling and artificial intelligence for fibre optic sensing users
    Conveners: Martina Allegra (Catania University, Italy); Corentin Caudron (Université Libre de Bruxelles, Belgium); Christopher Bean (DIAS, Ireland)
  5. Leveraging existing fibre optic networks for improving resilience in our modern Society
    Conveners: Fabrice Cotton (University of Potsdam, Germany); André Herrero (INGV-RM1, Italy); Leila Ehsaninezhad (GFZ Potsdam, Germany)
  6. “Ask me anything” session
    Organizing Committee TBD

Each session will last half a day and comprises a combination of oral and poster presentations and one time slot dedicated to a specific break-out discussion.

Conference schedule

  • 16 June 2024: arrival, ice breaker
  • 17 June 2024: sessions 1 and 2
  • 18 June 2024: sessions 3 and 4; Social dinner
  • 19 June 2024: session 5; “Ask me Anything” session; wrap-up session
  • 20 June 2024: field trip to Etna volcano
  • 21 June 2024: departure