About the station
The Chacaltaya GAW Station (CHC) is located in the Bolivian Andes. Chacaltaya is a mountain with a horizon open to the south and west facing the Altiplano (plateau of 3800 masl). Behind CHC (towards the north and east), high peaks of the mountain range (Cordillera Real) separate it from the Amazon Basin. The climate is semi-arid, but the summit of Chacaltaya is often in the clouds. The area surrounding the CHC is stony, partly covered by snow (especially in summer) and with little fauna and vegetation.
The Chacaltaya GAW Station (CHC) is located in the Bolivian Andes. Chacaltaya is a mountain with a horizon open to the south and west facing the Altiplano (plateau of 3800 masl). Behind CHC (towards the north and east), high peaks of the mountain range (Cordillera Real) separate it from the Amazon Basin. The climate is semi-arid, but the summit of Chacaltaya is often in the clouds. The area surrounding the CHC is stony, partly covered by snow (especially in summer) and with little fauna and vegetation.
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The station was equipped in november 2011 to measure gases concentrations, aerosols physical and chemical properties in a continuous basis. It is managed by the Laboratory for Atmospheric Physics (LFA) as part of an international scientific consortium. The station depends of the Instituto de Investigaciones Físicas from the Universidad Mayor de San Andrés and shares facilities with the Cosmic Rays Group (ORCC).
Most of the instruments are deployed at 5240 masl, but some have been installed in the norwestern ridge of Mount Chacaltaya at 5380 masl. Electric power is available at CHC station through transmission wires from La Paz, cell phones get a weak but continuous signal on site and the internet connection is stable. Permanent personnel (watchmen) work 7 days a week at the CHC station. Scientists and technicians travel to the station regularly during work days. |
Chacaltaya climate
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A suprise during the rainy season.