Shock-induced stripping of satellite ISM/CGM in IllustrisTNG clusters at $z\sim0$

TL;DR

This study uses the IllustrisTNG simulation to show that large-scale shocks in galaxy clusters can strip the gas from satellite galaxies, significantly impacting their evolution and star formation.

Contribution

It demonstrates the role of shock interactions in stripping gas from satellite galaxies, a novel insight into galaxy quenching mechanisms in clusters.

Findings

Approximately 50% of satellites encounter shocks at z ≤ 0.11.

Shock interaction can strip about half of the satellite's ISM within 0.6 Gyr.

Low-mass galaxies are more affected by shock-induced stripping.

Abstract

Using the IllustrisTNG simulation, we study the interaction of large-scale shocks with the circumgalactic medium (CGM) and interstellar medium (ISM) of star-forming (SF) satellite galaxies in galaxy clusters. These shocks are usually produced by mergers and massive accretion. Our visual inspection shows that approximately half of SF satellites have encountered shocks in their host clusters at $z\leq0.11$. After a satellite crosses a shock front and enters the postshock region, the ram pressure on it is boosted significantly. Both the CGM and ISM can be severely impacted, either by striping or compression. The stripping of the ISM is particularly important for low-mass galaxies with $\log (M_{*}/M_{\odot})<10$ and can occur even in the outskirts of galaxy clusters. In comparison, satellites that do not interact with shocks lose their ISM only in the inner regions of clusters. About half of the ISM is stripped within about 0.6 Gyr after it crosses the shock front. Our results show that shock-induced stripping plays an important role in quenching satellite galaxies in clusters.