High-Redshift Superwinds as the Source of the Strongest Mg II Absorbers: A Feasibility Analysis

Details High-Redshift Superwinds as the Source of the Strongest Mg II Absorbers: A Feasibility Analysis High-Redshift Superwinds as the Source of the Strongest Mg II Absorbers: A Feasibility Analysis

2001-08-03

arxiv.org/abs/astro-ph/0108062v1

Astronomy and Astrophysics

Astrophysics

11 pages, 3 figures, to be published in the Astrophysical Journal

Scientific paper

10.1086/323876

We present HIRES/Keck profiles of four extremely strong (W_r > 1.8 A) Mg II absorbers at 1 < z < 2. The profiles display a common kinematic structure, having a sharp drop in optical depth near the center of the profile and strong, black-bottomed absorption on either side. This ``symmetric-inverted'' structure, with a velocity spread of several hundred kilometers per second, is suggestive of superwinds arising in actively star-forming galaxies. Low-ionization absorption of similar strength has been observed in local star-forming galaxies. The Mg II absorbers with W_r > 1.8 A evolve away from z = 2 to the present. We propose that a substantial fraction of these very strong absorbers are due to superwinds and that their evolution is related to the redshift evolution of star-forming galaxies. Based on the observed redshift number density of W_r > 1.8 A Mg II absorbers at 1 < z < 2, we explore whether it is realistic that superwinds from starbursting galaxies could give rise to these absorbers. Finally, we do an analysis of the superwind connection to damped Lya absorbers (DLAs). DLAs and superwinds evolve differently and usually have different kinematic structure, indicating that superwinds probably do not give rise to the majority of DLAs.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

High-Redshift Superwinds as the Source of the Strongest Mg II Absorbers: A Feasibility Analysis does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with High-Redshift Superwinds as the Source of the Strongest Mg II Absorbers: A Feasibility Analysis, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and High-Redshift Superwinds as the Source of the Strongest Mg II Absorbers: A Feasibility Analysis will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-43804