Dynamical conditions of dense clumps in dark clouds: a strategy for elucidation

Abstract

Chemical considerations and simplified dynamical modeling suggest that dark cloud cores may be incessantly evolving such that the time spent at high core densities decreases as the density increases. After reaching a high density, gravitationally contracting dark cloud cores may either form stars or expand to states of lower densities. Cloud mass and initial density are amongst the factors that may control the evolutionary fate of the core. This view is diametrically opposite of the common belief that dense cores may be in near mechanical equilibrium. Mutually consistent end-to-end modeling of the spectral line profiles and intensities is needed to discern the reality.