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The Column Density Distribution Function at z=0 from HI Selected Galaxies

Emma Ryan-Weber·Rachel Webster·Lister Staveley-Smith
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Abstract

We have measured the column density distribution function, f(N), at z=0 using 21-cm HI emission from galaxies selected from a blind HI survey. f(N) is found to be smaller and flatter at z=0 than indicated by high-redshift measurements of Damped Lyman-alpha (DLA) systems, consistent with the predictions of hierarchical galaxy formation. The derived DLA number density per unit redshift, dn/dz =0.058, is in moderate agreement with values calculated from low-redshift QSO absorption line studies. We use two different methods to determine the types of galaxies which contribute most to the DLA cross-section: comparing the power law slope of f(N) to theoretical predictions and analysing contributions to dn/dz. We find that comparison of the power law slope cannot rule out spiral discs as the dominant galaxy type responsible for DLA systems. Analysis of dn/dz however, is much more discriminating. We find that galaxies with log M_HI < 9.0 make up 34% of dn/dz; Irregular and Magellanic types contribute 25%; galaxies with surface brightness > 24 mag arcsec^{-2} account for 22% and sub-L* galaxies contribute 45% to dn/dz. We conclude that a large range of galaxy types give rise to DLA systems, not just large spiral galaxies as previously speculated.

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Emma Ryan-Weber, Rachel Webster, Lister Staveley-Smith. 2003-05-01. The Column Density Distribution Function at z=0 from HI Selected Galaxies. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2966.2004.08633.x%2Fabs%2F

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