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Abstract(s)
In addition to the standard X$_{max}$ and energy, the longitudinal profiles of extensive air showers contain some more interesting information. For energies above 10$^{17:8}$ eV, we present the average profiles as a function of atmospheric depth measured for the first time at the Pierre Auger Observatory. The profile shapes for different energy ranges are all well reproduced by a Gaisser- Hillas function within the range studied. A detailed analysis of the systematic uncertainties is performed using data and a full detector simulation, and the results are compared with predictions of hadronic interaction models for different primaries.