We present preliminary results of an ESO-VLT large programme (AMAZE) aimed at determining the evolution of the mass-metallicity relation at z>3 by means of deep near-IR spectroscopy. Gas metallicities and stellar masses are measured for an initial sample of nine star forming galaxies at z˜3.3. When compared with previous surveys, the mass-metallicity relation inferred at z˜3.3 shows an evolution significantly stronger than observed at lower redshifts. There are also indications that the metallicity evolution of low mass galaxies is stronger relative to high mass systems, an effect which can be regarded as the chemical version of the galaxy downsizing. The mass-metallicity relation observed at z˜3.3 is difficult to reconcile with the predictions of some hierarchical evolutionary models. We discuss the possible implications of such discrepancies.
The Mass-Metallicity Relation at z>3 / Maiolino R.; Nagao T.; Grazian A.; Cocchia F.; Marconi A.; Mannucci F.; Cimatti A.; Pipino A.; Fontana A.; Granato G. L.; Matteucci F.; Pentericci L.; Risaliti G.; Salvati M.; Silva L.. - STAMPA. - (2008), pp. 409-414.
The Mass-Metallicity Relation at z>3
CIMATTI, ANDREA;
2008
Abstract
We present preliminary results of an ESO-VLT large programme (AMAZE) aimed at determining the evolution of the mass-metallicity relation at z>3 by means of deep near-IR spectroscopy. Gas metallicities and stellar masses are measured for an initial sample of nine star forming galaxies at z˜3.3. When compared with previous surveys, the mass-metallicity relation inferred at z˜3.3 shows an evolution significantly stronger than observed at lower redshifts. There are also indications that the metallicity evolution of low mass galaxies is stronger relative to high mass systems, an effect which can be regarded as the chemical version of the galaxy downsizing. The mass-metallicity relation observed at z˜3.3 is difficult to reconcile with the predictions of some hierarchical evolutionary models. We discuss the possible implications of such discrepancies.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
