Аннотация:An analysis is made of the effects of the nonuniformity of magnetic field and plasma density on the generation mechanism of auroral kilometer-wave emission (AKE) connected with the linear conversion of Z-mode to X-mode at upper hybrid resonance. The original wave is amplified as a result of interaction with beams of precipitating electrons. The AKE is investigated with respect to frequency, generation site, polarization, and variability.