High-frequency spicule oscillations generated via mode conversion

TL;DR

This study demonstrates through numerical simulation that high-frequency spicule oscillations originate from mode conversion in the chromosphere, providing observational evidence for this process.

Contribution

It shows that longitudinal-to-transverse mode conversion explains high-frequency spicule oscillations, a novel insight into chromospheric wave dynamics.

Findings

High-frequency waves are efficiently excited by mode conversion.

The period of high-frequency waves matches the sound-crossing time.

Simulated velocities agree with observed values.

Abstract

Spicule oscillations involve high-frequency components with a typical period approximately corresponding to $40-50$ s. The typical time scale of the photospheric oscillation is a few minutes, and thus, the origin of this high-frequency component is not trivial. In this study, a one-dimensional numerical simulation is performed to demonstrate that the observed spicule oscillations originate from longitudinal-to-transverse mode conversion that occurs around the equipartition layer in the chromosphere. Calculations are conducted in a self-consistent manner with the exception of additional heating to maintain coronal temperature. The analyses indicate the following features: (1) mode conversion efficiently excites high-frequency transverse waves; (2) the typical period of the high-frequency waves corresponds to the sound-crossing time of the mode conversion region; and (3) simulated root-mean-square velocity of the high-frequency component is consistent with the observed value. These results indicate that the observation of spicule oscillation provides direct evidence of mode conversion in the chromosphere.