# The Formation of Globular Cluster Systems in Massive Elliptical Galaxies: Globular Cluster Multimodality from Radial Variation of Stellar Populations

## TL;DR

This paper models the multi-modality of globular cluster systems in massive elliptical galaxies by linking radial stellar population variations to globular cluster properties, aligning well with spectroscopic observations.

## Contribution

It introduces a model connecting radial stellar population variations to globular cluster sub-populations, explaining observed multimodality in massive ellipticals.

## Key findings

- Multi-modality in globular clusters can be partly explained by radial stellar population variations.
- The model predicts a super-metal-rich globular cluster population in massive ellipticals.
- Results align with spectroscopic data, supporting the model's validity.

## Abstract

The most massive elliptical galaxies show a prominent multi-modality in their globular cluster system color distributions. Understanding the mechanisms which lead to multiple globular cluster sub-populations is essential for a complete picture of massive galaxy formation. By assuming that globular cluster formation traces the total star formation and taking into account the radial variations in the composite stellar populations predicted by the Pipino & Matteucci (2004) multi-zone photo-chemical evolution code, we compute the distribution of globular cluster properties as a function of galactocentric radius. We compare our results to the spectroscopic measurements of globular clusters in nearby early-type galaxies by Puzia et al. (2006) and show that the observed multi-modality in globular cluster systems of massive ellipticals can be, at least partly, ascribed to the radial variation in the mix of stellar populations. Our model predicts the presence of a super-metal-rich population of globular clusters in the most massive elliptical galaxies, which is in very good agreement with the spectroscopic observations. Furthermore, we investigate the impact of other non-linear mechanisms that shape the metallicity distribution of globular cluster systems, in particular the role of merger-induced globular cluster formation and a non-linear color-metallicity transformation, and discuss their influence in the context of our model (abridged)