Abstract

Molecular complexes of all sizes in the Solar Neighborhood are built up with clouds of a few 100MΘ and average density of a few 100cm−3 supported against gravity by supersonic but subalfvenic internal motions. This velocity field generates density fluctuations of various contrasts on all scales down to ~ 0.015pc. It is found to be linked to that of all larger embedding scales, in spite of the large density contrasts between clouds and the intercloud medium. Magnetic field is shown to be the most efficient agent to redistribute energy and momentum between the reservoirs of kinetic energy and the clouds; thus providing them with kinetic support over timescales much longer than 107 yr. Their supersonic internal motions create a turbulent pressure which stabilizes Jeans unstable clouds against gravity. Small scale non linear density fluctuations may develop inside clouds and eventually become gravitationally unstable dense cores.

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