MgII Quasar Absorption Line Systems as a Probe of Galaxy Structural and Kinematic Evolution

Jessica Evans

Armed with the largest database of high resolution, high signal-to-noise quasar absorption line spectra ever compiled, I propose to analyze the sample of ~360 MgII 2796, 2803 Angstrom doublet systems in order to shed much needed light on our current picture of galaxy and intergalactic medium gas kinematics and structure, and to chart how these have changed throughout cosmic time. This will be achieved by studying the distributions of, and evolution in, the system equivalent widths, column densities, Doppler b parameters, flux decrements, and velocity widths over the redshift range 0.2 < z < 2.6 in order to construct a statistical framework for understanding the physical processes selected by the presence of MgII. Additionally, with the aid of powerful cosmological hydrodynamic n-body simulations, I will use synthetic quasar lines of sight to place constraints on scenarios of galaxy formation. In turn I will be able to study MgII selected "galaxies" as has never been done before in such great detail at such high redshifts.