Abstract

Méndez-Hernández
Metal content of the circumgalactic medium around star-forming galaxies at z ~ 2.6 revealed by VUDS
The circumgalactic medium (CGM) is the location where the interplay between large-scale outflows and accretion onto galaxies occurs. Metals in different ionization states flowing between the CGM and IGM are affected by large galactic outflows and low- ionization state inflow gas. Observational studies on their spatial distribution and their relation with galaxy properties may provide important constraints on models of galaxy formation and evolution. Here, we provide new insights into the spatial distribution of the circumgalactic (CGM) of star-forming galaxies (SFG) at ⟨z⟩∼2.6 in the peak epoch of cosmic star formation activity in the Universe, by looking for possible correlations of the low- and high-ionization state absorption features (LIS and HIS) with stellar mass and star formation rate. We find that the stronger CIV line absorptions in the outer regions of these SFG could be explained by stronger outflows in galaxies with higher star formation rates and stellar masses, capable of projecting the ionized gas up to large distances, and/or by stronger UV ionizing radiation in these galaxies, able to ionize the gas even at large distances. Low-mass galaxies show stronger CII absorptions, suggesting larger reservoirs of cold gas that could be explained by a softer radiation field unable to ionize high-ionization state lines or by the galactic fountain scenario from previous star formation events. These gas reservoirs could provide the necessary fuel to sustain star formation