Broadband Submarine Fiber Sensing: Unveiling Ocean Dynamics from Acoustics to Tsunami Waves

Imagine transforming the vast network of submarine fiber optic cables into a real-time observatory that unveils the ocean’s hidden dynamics.* Over the past decade, advancements in fiber sensing technology have rapidly progressed, offering an unprecedented opportunity to establish large-scale geophysical observatories on the seafloor more cost-effectively than ever before. In this talk, I will delve into the recent breakthroughs in submarine fiber sensing, demonstrating how it enables us to capture a broad spectrum of oceanic processes—from high-frequency acoustics that reveal marine life and seismic activity, to very low-frequency phenomena like tsunami waves and tidal movements. Join me as we explore the exciting scientific possibilities this technology unlocks for ocean research and environmental monitoring. We’ll also discuss the key engineering challenges we face and the innovative solutions being developed to overcome them in the coming years.