Supernova Feedback on the Interstellar Medium and Star Formation

TL;DR

This paper reviews how supernovae influence the interstellar medium and star formation, covering analytical and numerical models from small to galaxy scales, and discusses parameterizations of feedback efficiencies.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive overview of the development of models and understanding of supernova feedback effects on star formation and galaxy evolution.

Findings

Supernovae significantly impact gas dynamics and energetics in the interstellar medium.

Numerical models range from superbubble scales to galaxy-wide structures.

Parameterizations of feedback efficiencies are crucial for evolutionary models.

Abstract

Supernovae are the most energetic stellar events and influence the interstellar medium by their gasdynamics and energetics. By this, both also affect the star formation positively and negatively. In this paper, we review the development of the complexity of investigations aiming at understanding the interchange between supernovae and their released hot gas with the star-forming molecular clouds. Commencing from analytical studies the paper advances to numerical models of supernova feedback from superbubble scales to galaxy structure. We also discuss parametrizations of star-formation and supernova-energy transfer efficiencies. Since evolutionary models from the interstellar medium to galaxies are numerous and apply multiple recipes of these parameters, only a representative selection of studies can be discussed here.