Raman Lidar observations of the vertical profiles of aerosol optical properties and water vapour at the Pierre Auger Observatory

Abstract The observations of a Raman Lidar at the Pierre Auger Observatory in the Argentinian Pampa are reported. The Raman Lidar is utilized for real-time atmospheric monitoring associated with the detection of cosmic-ray air showers. The vertical profiles of aerosol optical depth and aerosol backscatter are presented and discussed for an observation period ranging from 2013 to 2022. Meanwhile, the water vapour profiles are analyzed for the period from 2016 to 2022. The results could give insights into regional climate dynamics over the Argentinian Pampa.