GPS phase scintillation observed over a high-latitude Antarctic station during solar minimum

Radio wave scintillation due to the presence of ionospheric irregularities can cause fading and phase variation of L-band navigation signals such as those used by the Global Positioning System (GPS). The high-latitude regions experience increased scintillation events under geomagnetically disturbed conditions, particularly during solar maximum. This paper presents phase scintillation measurements observed at the South African Antarctic polar research station during solar minimum conditions. In addition, a multi-instrument approach is shown in which the scintillation events are associated with auroral electron precipitation. Furthermore, it is shown that external energy injection into the ionosphere is an important factor in the development of irregularities producing scintillation.