Probing the Galaxy--Halo Gas Connection

Glenn Kacprzak

Interstellar and halo gas plays a crucial role in the construction, dynamical formation, and evolution of galaxies. Currently, there is a lack of the fundamental understanding of the gas processes effecting the dynamics of galaxies and their extended gaseous halos, and how this galaxy--halo relationship affects galaxy evolution. The use of quasars to probe the most outer regions of galaxy halos is a crucial observational tool for understanding gaseous halos as well as constraining current models. By studying the absorption signatures of the gas imprinted in the quasar spectra, we can study halo kinematics, dynamics, chemical content, ionization conditions and cosmic evolution of both local and early--epoch galaxies.

The goal of this proposed thesis is to advance our understanding of galaxies and the relation to their halo gas. Combining the knowledge obtained through the three projects proposed here, we aim to constrain the statistical size, geometry, and covering factor of the halo. We will be able to further examine the relationship between the kinematics of the galaxy and the halo gas and infer evidence or lack of evidence of disk--like rotation or in--falling clouds. We will further be able to discuss if the morphology of galaxies has any influence on the absorption properties observed.