Solar cycle variations of GPS amplitude scintillation for the polar region

Global Positioning System (GPS)L1amplitude data, obtained using the Canadian High Arctic Ionospheric Network (CHAIN) during the period 2008-2018, is used to study the seasonal and solar cycle dependence of high-latitude amplitude scintillation. The occurrence of amplitude scintillation is predominantly confined to the 10-18 magnetic local time (MLT) and 72-87 degrees Altitude-Adjusted Corrected Geomagnetic (AACGM) sector and is a winter and equinoctial phenomenon. The occurrence of amplitude scintillation shows a clear seasonal and solar cycle dependence with a maximum value of similar to 11% during the high solar activity early winter periods, and a secondary maximum in equinoctial months, and almost no occurrence during summer months. This pattern in occurrence suggests that amplitude scintillation is a phenomenon that is closely associated with the presence of patches and particle precipitation events.