Abstract

ZARATTI, Francesco et al. Albedo's Measurements in UV-B at Uyuni's Salt Lake (Bolivia). Revista Boliviana de Física [online]. 2011, vol.17, n.17, pp. 8-12. ISSN 1562-3823.

We report the final results of a biannual project concerning two measurement campaigns of ultraviolet radiation (RUV) at Uyuni’s Salt Lake: in May and November 2008. The gathered data and their respective analysis resulted in important findings relating to the project’s principle objectives: the measurement of superficial albedo of the UV band and the quantification of the extent of albedo in the area surrounding the Uyuni salt lake., In the first case we found that the albedo depends not only on the time of year, such as, the rainy season between January and March but also on climate change effects in the region which could lead to a decrease in albedo, a sign of the salt lake's environmental contamination in particular from anthropogenic activities. In addition we measured the extent of the albedo effect in the salt lake and surrounding area however the analysis of these results has so far given inconclusive findings.

Keywords : UV radiation; radiative processes; solar radiation (albedo).