Title:
AGN Feedback and Galaxy Evolution

Abstract:

Recent observations of tight correlations between supermassive black hole
masses and the properties of their host galaxies demonstrate that black holes
and bulges are co- eval, and have motivated theoretical models in which
feedback from AGN activity regulates the black hole and host galaxy evolution.
I'll review the state of models and observations regarding quasar and AGN
fueling and feedback, from the galaxy-scale perspective. Combining simulations,
analytic models, and recent observations, answers to a number of questions are
starting to take shape: How to AGN get triggered? How long do they live? What
are typical lightcurves and what sets them? Is feedback necessary/sufficient to
regulate BH growth? What effects does that feedback have on the host galaxy? On
the host halo? All of this also highlights questions that remain wide open: how
does gas get from a few pc to the AGN? What are the actual microphysical
mechanisms of feedback? What is the tradeoff between stellar and AGN feedback?
And, if there are different "modes" of feedback, where/when are each important?