Potential Effects of Climate Change in Saline Shallow Lakes in the North of Chile (Salar de Atacama, 23°S, Chile) and South Lipez of Bolivia (Khalina Lake, 22.61°S)

Abstract

The Andean lakes of northern Chile and southern Bolivia are characterized by their high salinity due to arid climate and high evaporation. These lakes are poorly studied due to access difficulties. The aim of this study is to characterize two shallow saline lakes in northern Chile (Salar de Atacama, 23°S, Chile) and South Lipez of Bolivia (Khalina lake, 22.61°S) using satellite images (Landsat 8). The data involved surface temperature, chlorophyll-a concentration, and meteorological parameters (wind speed, relative humidity, atmospheric pressure). The available data revealed marked monthly variations in limnological and meteorological parameters that would be associated. The exposed antecedents revealed that the use of remote sensing techniques can be an important tool for limnological studies in zones with geographical access difficulties.