The EV-K2-CNR Pyramid and the AERONET network (Himalayan atmospheric brown cloud characterization via sunphotometer observations)

A Cimel sunphotometer operating in the framework of the AERONET project has been installed at the Himalayan Ev-K2-CNR Pyramid (5079 m a.s.l.) in the year 2006, as site Ev-K2-CNR. The observational activity will provide a characterization of the optical and microphysical properties of atmospheric aerosols, in particular of the atmospheric brown cloud (ABC) in the Himalayan region. This paper will describe the Cimel sunphotometer measurement technique, will introduce to the AERONET programme and will evaluate the contribution of the proposed Ev-K2-CNR AERONET site to the study of the ABC.