The Gemini Deep Deep Survey. VII. The Redshift Evolution of the Mass‐Metallicity Relation

• DOI: 10.1086/497331
• Publication Date: 2005-12-06T16:37:14Z
• Authors: S. Savaglio; K. Glazebrook; D. Le Borgne; S. Juneau; R. G. Abraham; H.‐W. Chen; D. Crampton; P. J. McCarthy; R. G. Carlberg; R. O. Marzke; K. Roth; I. Jorgensen; R. Murowinski
• Keywords: Stellar mass

We have investigated the mass-metallicity (M-Z) relation using galaxies at 0.4<z<1.0 from Gemini Deep Survey and Canada-France Redshift Survey. K z' band photometry allowed us to measure stellar masses for 69 galaxies. From a subsample of 56 galaxies, which metallicity interstellar medium is also measured, we identified strong correlation between mass metallicity, first time in distant Universe. This was possible because larger base line spanned by sample terms (a factor 7) 400) than previous works. much stronger tighter luminosity-metallicity, confirming that more meaningful physical parameter luminosity. find clear evidence temporal evolution M-Z sense given mass, galaxy z=0.7 tends lower local similar mass. use z=0.1 SDSS relation, small z=2.3 Lyman break with known propose an empirical redshift-dependent according evolve longer massive predicts generally metal poor damped Lyman-alpha order 10^8.8 M_sun (with dispersion 0.7 dex) all way z=0.2 z=4. The observed redshift can be reproduced remarkably well simple closed-box model where key assumption e-folding star formation higher or, other words, period lasts less Such picture supports downsizing scenario formation.