The Formation and Evolution of Disk Galaxies

TL;DR

This paper reviews recent modeling efforts of disk galaxy formation within hierarchical structure formation, successfully matching local observations and describing evolution up to redshift z~1, while interpreting high-redshift galaxy data.

Contribution

It introduces a comprehensive model that aligns with local and distant galaxy observations, providing insights into disk galaxy evolution and high-redshift galaxy properties.

Findings

Model matches local galaxy observations.

Describes disk evolution up to redshift z~1.

Explains properties of Lyman-break galaxies at z~3.

Abstract

We review some of our recent progress in modelling the formation of disk galaxies in the framework of hierarchical structure formation. Our model is not only consistent with the local observations, but also provides a good description of disk evolution out to redshift z~1. We use this model to interpret recent observational results on Lyman-break galaxies (LBGs) at z~3. Assuming that these galaxies are associated with the most massive halos and adopting an empirical law for their star formation rates, we find that many properties of the LBG population, including their correlations, sizes and kinematics can be accommodated in the model.