Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics
Scientific paper
2003-11-03
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astrophysics
8 pages, 4 figures, for publication in The Dense ISM in Galaxies, eds. S. Pfalzner, C. Kramer, C. Straubmeier, & A. Heithausen
Scientific paper
How does turbulence contribute to the formation and structure of the dense interstellar medium (ISM)? Molecular clouds are dense, high-pressure objects. It is usually argued that gravitational confinement causes the high pressures, and that the clouds are (magneto)hydrostaticobjects supported by a balance between magnetic and turbulent pressures and gravity. However, magnetic pressures appear too weak, and MHD turbulent support not only requires driving, but also results in continuing gravitational collapse, as has now been demonstrated in simulations reaching 512^3 zones. Models of supernova-driven, magnetized turbulence readily form transient, high-pressure, dense regions that may form molecular clouds. They are contained not by self-gravity, but by turbulent ram pressures from the larger flow. Apparent virialization may actually be a geometrical effect. Turbulent clouds are unlikely to be in hydrostatic equilibrium, instead either collapsing or expanding, although they may appear well-fit by projected equilibrium Bonnor-Ebert spheres. Collapsing clouds probably form stars efficiently, while expanding ones can still form stars by turbulent compression, but rather inefficiently.
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