Abstract
ABSTRACT Absorption-selected galaxies offer an effective way to study low-mass galaxies at high redshift. However, the physical properties of the underlying galaxy population remain uncertain. In particular, the multiphase circumgalactic medium is thought to hold key information on gas flows into and out of galaxies that are vital for galaxy evolution models. Here, we present ALMA observations of CO molecular gas in host galaxies of H2-bearing absorbers. In our sample of six absorbers, we detect molecular gas-rich galaxies in five absorber fields, although we did not target high-metallicity (>50 per cent solar) systems for which previous studies reported the highest detection rate. Surprisingly, we find that the majority of the absorbers are associated with multiple galaxies rather than single haloes. Together with the large impact parameters, these results suggest that the H2-bearing gas seen in absorption is not part of an extended disc, but resides in dense gas pockets in the circumgalactic and intragroup medium.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.