Aerosol transport to the Andean region: A new GAW station

Abstract

The importance of particulate matter transport over the Andean glaciers has recently grown because new studies have suggested that at least part of the local warming at the Himalayas might be due to transport of particles to this region. In the Andean region the rapid retreat of glaciers and a moderate increase in temperature suggest that particulate matter product of biomass burning could also be playing a role in the observed glacier recession. Satellite imagery from MODIS, measurements from photometers as well as in-situ measurements were used to try to characterize some optical and chemical properties of particulate matter arriving to the Andean region. Backward trajectories and electronic microscopy were also used for this purpose. Preliminary results are reported here. In addition, the implementation of a new GAW station at Chacaltaya (5200 masl; 16°21'S, 68°07'W) is discussed in this context.

The importance of particulate matter transport over the Andean glaciers has recently grown because new studies have suggested that at least part of the local warming at the Himalayas might be due to transport of particles to this region. In the Andean region the rapid retreat of glaciers and a moderate increase in temperature suggest that particulate matter product of biomass burning could also be playing a role in the observed glacier recession. Satellite imagery from MODIS, measurements from photometers as well as in-situ measurements were used to try to characterize some optical and chemical properties of particulate matter arriving to the Andean region. Backward trajectories and electronic microscopy were also used for this purpose. Preliminary results are reported here. In addition, the implementation of a new GAW station at Chacaltaya (5200 masl; 16°21'S, 68°07'W) is discussed in this context.