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R. I. Thompson (Steward Observatory, University of Arizona)
The star formation intensity distribution function, first presented by Lanzetta and his colleagues, has received significant attention both as a constraint on models of galaxy formation and as a correction for star formation missed by surface brightness dimming at high redshift. This talk demonstrates that the distribution at a redshift of 1, where it is well measured, can be matched with well known empirical laws. In particular the Schmidt law with a roll off of star formation at a critical density, a Schechter distribution of galaxy masses, and the assumption that star formation occurs in exponential disks suffices to derive the distribution with reasonable values for the adjustable parameters. Using values of the parameters at high z that are consistent with the hierarchical models of galaxy formation shows the possible evolution of the distribution with redshift.
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Bulletin of the American Astronomical Society, 34, #4
© 2002. The American Astronomical Soceity.