F. Ghezzi, P. Saavedra, E. Palenque, R. Forno and F. Zaratti

Laboratorio de Física de la Atmósfera, Universidad Mayor de San Andrés, La Paz, Bolivia

Preliminary results of aerosol measurements in the central Andes using a multiwave radiometer are discussed. The instrument measures optical depth at ten wavelengths, in the visible to the near infrared, enabling studies on physical features of aerosols. Monthly, seasonal and spectral variations of the optical depth indicate that the Andean atmosphere has more complexity than previously thought. These results could have important implications on the analysis of data from the Lidar to be installed in La Paz.