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M. Rauch (Carnegie Institution)
Stellar winds and supernova explosions in young galaxies are thought to deposit energy, momentum, and metals in the proto- and intergalactic medium (IGM). We discuss observational searches for the signature of these processes in the IGM at redshift three and beyond. In particular, we describe how observations of QSO absorption systems in closely spaced lines of sight to gravitationally QSOs can be used to statistically probe density fluctuations and turbulence in the IGM and in the metal enriched gas surrounding high redshift galaxies. We show how these measurements may allow us to constrain the rate with which energy is injected into intergalactic space, and the timescales of stellar feedback.
Besides discussing these global constraints we shall present new evidence in favor of at least some QSO metal absorbers at high redshift being caused by expanding gas bubbles similar to galactic supernova remnants and superbubbles.
The author(s) of this abstract have provided an email address for comments about the abstract: mr@ociw.edu