Abstract: Researches in the theory of monitoring seepage by measuring temperature are reviewed. Forward analysis on temperature distribution in consideration of seepage field’s effect in quantitative research stage are highlighted. Furthermore, the basic principles, objects of simulations, mechanism of coupling and calculation method of different mathematical models of seepage field and temperature field coupling are elaborated. A summary is also given on the trends and deficiencies of coupled modeling between seepage field and temperature field. The research status and development priorities of seepage calculation and temperature calculation are introduced. Moreover, the necessity of researching seepage-temperature field coupling on the basis of unsaturated seepage is presented, and the theory involved in the modeling is expounded. Some suggestions for future study are put forward: temperature variation of parameters should be taken into consideration to improve the accuracy of model simulation; coupled modeling based on unsaturated seepage could be researched to enrich this theory under complex conditions; and inverse analysis of seepage field with the assistance of temperature field could be strengthened.

Key words: embankment dam, seepage monitoring by measuring temperature, seepage field, temperature field, coupling model