Geochemistry

Quantum mechanics

Geomorphology

Optical fiber

Intrusion

Ambient noise level

Telecommunications

Sound (geography)

Computer science

Fiber optic sensor

Acoustics

Passive seismic

Seismology

Geology

Geophone

Physics

Environmental science

Remote sensing

Temporal resolution

Distributed acoustic sensing

Geophysical Research Letters

Urban subsurface monitoring requires high temporal‐spatial resolution, low maintenance cost, and minimal intrusion to nearby life. Distributed acoustic sensing (DAS), in contrast to conventional station‐based sensing technology, has the potential to provide a passive seismic solution to urban monitoring requirements. Based on data recorded by the Stanford Fiber Optic Seismic Observatory, we demonstrate that near‐surface velocity changes induced by the excavation of a basement construction can be monitored using existing fiber optic infrastructure in a noisy urban environment. To achieve satisfactory results, careful signal processing comprising of noise removal and source signature normalization are applied to raw DAS recordings. Repeated blast signals from quarry sites provide free, unidirectional, and near‐impulsive sources for periodic urban seismic monitoring, which are essential for increasing the temporal resolution of passive seismic methods. Our study suggests that DAS will likely play an important role in urban subsurface monitoring.

Urban Near‐Surface Seismic Monitoring Using Distributed Acoustic Sensing