Propagation of medium frequency (1–4 MHz) auroral radio waves to the ground via the Z‐mode radio window

Abstract

Recent ground‐based observations of auroral radio waves have identified narrowband emissions near 2 and 3 times the lower ionospheric electron cyclotron frequency (fce) known as auroral roars. In this paper the propagation of these waves in the auroral ionosphere is investigated by means of a ray‐tracing technique. We model one particular scenario in which a large‐scale (tens of kilometers) horizontal density structure, based on density structures observed with the Sondrestrom radar at times of auroral roar emissions, plays a crucial role in both guiding the waves to the ground and enabling mode conversion. The location and the mode characteristics of the initial waves are determined on the basis of local stability properties, which suggests that Z‐mode wave excitation is favored near 2fce. However, since Z‐mode cannot propagate to the ground they must first undergo a mode conversion to one of the free‐space modes (X and O). It is found that for a narrow range of frequencies and initial wave phase angles the trapped Z mode can be converted to O mode via the Ellis radio window. This finding is consistent with the fact that auroral roar emissions are nearly 100% O‐mode polarized. However, it is important to note that the evaluation of the damping of the Z‐mode waves along the ray path is not considered within the context of this preliminary study and will be critical for eventually determining the exact physical scenario of the auroral roar generation mechanism.