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| Paper: |
The evolution of galactic giant molecular clouds |
| Volume: |
12, The Evolution of the Interstellar Medium |
| Page: |
273 |
| Authors: |
Blitz, Leo |
| Abstract: |
The global properties of giant molecular clouds (GMCs) are reviewed to develop a description of the atomic environment of GMCs in relation to the GMCs in the solar vicinity. The specific angular momentum of GMCs is generally smaller than that of the ISM, suggesting that angular momentum shedding begins simultaneously with when GMC formation. It is shown that GMCs can be identified in two distinct evolutionary states, and observational data are discussed for the Rosette Molecular Cloud (RMC). The RMC is a significant exception to the scenario involving the shedding of angular momentum. The data are found to support the notion of molecular material evolving into dense star-forming material, and atomic envelopes are identified for GMCs. The clumps of the RMC are considered in detail and form the basis for an evolutionary model. |
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