Author(s): Sean Watt; Chelsey Litjens
Linked Author(s):
Keywords: Temperature change; Field monitoring; Ice formation; Fibre optics
Abstract: The question has been asked, how does temperature in flowing water vary in the X and Y directions of a cross-section, as well as in shade or direct light, with relation to ice formation. Work related to permafrost monitoring, with fibre-optic measurement, suggested a similar setup for temperature monitoring in water may be possible. The cable records every 2.6 mm, and gathers data at that resolution. The cable is flexible, and can be shaped as desired to accommodate location and position. Individual point locations can then be used to present data in graphically relevant shapes. However, the fibre optic option is expensive, and more economical options should be explored to consider the logistics, range of sensors, and process. Less expensive options could include other thermistor chain arrays, or individual sensors strung manually in an array. The various sensors should also be tested to confirm they can read temperature change in the relevant range/scale. The ultimate goal of this paper is to introduce some experiments to consider what setup (sensors, location, floats, attachments, etc.) could work to gather appropriate data to consider how temperature and ice formation vary across a section, side to side, top to bottom, shade to light.
Year: 2026