Global velocity field and bubbles in the BCD Mrk86

We have studied the velocity field of the Blue Compact Dwarf galaxy Mrk86 (NGC2537) using data provided by 14 long-slit optical spectra. This kinematical information is complemented with narrow-band ([OIII]5007A and Halpha) and broad-band (B, V, Gunn-r and K) imaging. The analysis of the galaxy global velocity field suggests that the ionized gas could be distributed in a rotating inclined disk, with projected central angular velocity of Omega=34 km/s/kpc. The comparison between the stellar, HI and modeled dark matter density profile, indicates that the total mass within its optical radius is dominated by the stellar component. Peculiarities observed in its velocity field can be explained by irregularities in the ionized gas distribution or local motions induced by star formation. Kinematical evidences for two expanding bubbles, Mrk86-B and Mrk86-C, are given. They show expanding velocities of 34 km/s and 17 km/s, Halpha luminosities of 3x10^38 erg/s and 1.7x10^39 erg/s, and physical radii of 374 and 120 pc, respectively. The change in the [SII]/Halpha, [NII]/Halpha, [OII]/[OIII] and [OIII]/Hbeta line ratios with the distance to the bubble precursor suggests a diminution in the ionization parameter and, in the case of Mrk86-B, an enhancement of the shock-excited gas emission. The optical-near-infrared colours of the bubble precursors are characteristic of low metallicity star forming regions (0.2 Zsun) with burst strengths of about 1 per cent in mass.Comment: 14 pages, 12 PostScript figures, accepted for publication in MNRAS, also available at ftp://cutrex.fis.ucm.es/pub/OUT/gil/PAPERS

Conformal Gravity from AdS/CFT mechanism

We explicitly calculate the induced gravity theory at the boundary of an asymptotically Anti-de Sitter five dimensional Einstein gravity. We also display the action that encodes the dynamics of radial diffeomorphisms. It is found that the induced theory is a four dimensional conformal gravity plus a scalar field. This calculation confirms some previous results found by a different approach.Comment: Revtex 8 pages, To be published in Phys. Rev.

Searching for emission-line galaxies: The UCM survey

We are carrying out a long-term project with the main purposes of finding and analyzing low metallicity galaxies. A very small number of very low metallicity galaxies is known up to now. However these ojbects are particularly interesting since they are excellent candidates to 'young galaxies' in evolutionary sense as POX186 (Kunth, Maurogordato & Vigroux, 1988). Since the interstellar matter in these objects is only weakly contaminated by stellar evolution, their study could provide valuable information about the primordial helium abundance and therefore it could place constraints on the different Big-Bang models. The instrumental set up of our survey is an objective-prism used with the Schmidt telescope at Calar Alto Observatory. By using hypersensitized IIIaF emulsion and RG630 filter low resolution spectra in the H alpha region of objects in a wide field is obtained (Rego et al. 1989, Zamorano et al. 1990). Surveys carried out in the past two decades at optical blue wavelengths have also produced large samples of emission-line galaxies (ELGs), for example MacAlpine & Willians 1981 and reference therein, Wasilewski 1983, Salzer and MacAlpine 1988, or Smith et al. 1976. Relying primarily on objective-prism plates taken in the blue, these surveys have found over 3000 blue/emission-line galaxies so far. A significant number of star-forming galaxies are missed by optical surveys in the blue because of their low-excitation spectra (MacAlpine and Willians 1981, Markarian et al. 1981 and references therein) or their low metallicity (Kunth and Sargent, 1986)

Optical photometry of the UCM Lists I and II

We present Johnson B CCD photometry for the whole sample of galaxies of the Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM) Survey Lists I and II. They constitute a well-defined and complete sample of galaxies in the Local Universe with active star formation. The data refer to 191 S0 to Irr galaxies at an averaged redshift of 0.027, and complement the already published Gunn r, J and K photometries. In this paper the observational and reduction features are discussed in detail, and the new colour information is combined to search for clues on the properties of the galaxies, mainly by comparing our sample with other surveys.Comment: 14 pages, 7 PostScript figures, accepted for publication in A&AS, also available vi ftp at ftp://cutrex.fis.ucm.es/pub/OUT/pag/PAPERS

Mapping the star formation history of Mrk86: I. Data and models

We have obtained optical (BVR, [OIII]5007 and Halpha), near infrared (JHK) imaging and long-slit optical spectroscopy for the Blue Compact Dwarf galaxy Mrk86 (NGC2537). In this paper, the first of two, we present optical-near- infrared colors and emission-line fluxes for the currently star-forming regions, intemediate aged starburst and underlying stellar population. We also describe the evolutionary synthesis models used in Paper II. The R and Halpha luminosity distributions of the galaxy star-forming regions show maxima at M_R=-9.5 and L_Halpha=10^37.3 erg s^-1. The underlying stellar population shows an exponential surface brigthness profile with central value, mu_E,0=21.5 mag arcsec^-2, and scale, alpha=0.88 kpc, both measured in the R-band image. In the galaxy outer regions, dominated by this component, no significant color gradients are observed. Finally, a set of evolutionary synthesis models have been developed, covering a wide range in metallicity and burst strength.Comment: 21 pages, 14 figures, 2 landscape tables, accepted for publication in Astronomy & Astrophysics Supplement Series, for higher resolution images see ftp://cutrex.fis.ucm.es/pub/OUT/gil/PAPERS/aa00_I.ps.g

Análisis de un flujo de depósitos (debris flow) en la ladera norte del Pico de Orizaba (México)

[Resumen] Los flujos o coladas de depósitos (debris flows) son deslizamientos homogéneos de enormes masas de sedimentos originados como consecuencia de una sobresaturación de agua, pasando a transformarse en una segunda fase en un flujo turbulento, donde toda la masa transportada se mezcla, hasta alcanzar su estado de reposo debido a la pérdida de pendiente, de manera que va a constituir muros laterales (levées) y lóbulos finales (INNES, 1983; JOHNSON y RODINE, 1984). En áreas volcánicas, estos procesos inciden de manera especial en la estabilidad y evolución geomorfológica de las laderas. El lento crecimiento de la vegetación, prácticamente nulo, hace de éstas, áreas inestables con efectos morfológicos de gran magnitud (movimientos en masa).[Abstract] The volcanic areas are influenced by significant slope processes. This study analyzes a debris flow processe on the northern slope of Pico de Orizaba volcano (Mexique). The rapid retreat of the glaciers in this volcano during the past century and the absence of a land cover are suitable conditions to start debris flows processes. The conclusions indicate the importance of the glacial and periglacial activity in this geomorphologic event, the same as in the landform evolution and its activity in relation to climatic change

Evolución tectónica y sedimentaria durante el Priaboniense superior-Mioceno inferior, en el frente de cabalgamiento de las Sierras Marginales occidentales

Four systems tracts have been distinguished in the uppermost Eocene-lower Miocene continental deposits of the northern margin of the Ebro basin. 1) The Satinar systems tract 5pper Pnabonian-Stampian) consists of an alluvial system (Salinar Fm) located in the north, that passes to playa-lake evapontes (lower Barbastro Fm) towards the foreland. The alluvial sediments are represented only by distal fan and alluvial plain facies which are in the footwall of the Sierras Marginales thrust. The top of the Salinar systems tract is inarked by lacustrine limestones that represerit the alluvial fan retre,at and a change to less saline conditions. 2) The Peralta systems tract (upperPriaboniiin?-Stampian) consists of srnall alluvial fans attached to the Sierras Marginales (Peralta Fm) that pass to playa-lake evaporites towards ;he foreland (upper Barbastro Fm). The alluvial facies are represented by calcareous conglomerates, that grade in a few kilometers to thin-bedded sandstones and mudstones. Evaporitic facies are represented by nodular and larninated gypsum. The top of the Peralta systems tract is also marked by an extensive body of lacustrine carbonates that represent a new alluvial fan retreat. 3) The Peraltilla systems tract (Stampian-Chattian) consists of small alluvial fans (Calasanz Fm), that show i;imilar characteristics to those of the Peralta I'rn but they interfinger distally with a large fluvial systern sourced in the axial Pyrenees (Peraltilla Fm). This fluvial fan consists of red overbank deposits with paleosoils, and channelized bodies, which are mostly conglomeratic in the Azanuy syncline and become sandy towards the southern limb of Barbastro anticline. This granulometric change is accompanied by a change in channel type, from typical braided to sinuouir or straight. The Salinar and Peralta systerns are contemporaneous with the emplacernent of the Sierras Marginales thrust sheet. The clastic sedirnents accumulated in a flexura1 trough that widens while the thrust propagates. As a consecuence, the saline lake facies expand towards the foreland. During the Peralta systerns tract a blind detachment located in the base of the Barbastro evaporitic formation propagated and started to fold the foreland. The Peraltilla systems tract is contemporaneous with the end of displacement of the Sierras Marginales thrust sheet and the rnain growth of the Peralta detachment anticline. However, these tectonic events were accompanied by a significant forelandward shift of the basin depocenter and a more homogeneous subsidence. 4) The Sarinena systems tract (Chattian-Aquitanian) is very similar to the Peraltilla one but it shows a marked southwards shift of the proximal facies. It consists of srnall fans of local provenance (Baells Fm) that interfinger distally with alarge fluvial fan (Sarinena Fm). The sedimentation of the Sariñenasystems tract is contemporaneous with the continued southward propagation of the detachment through the foreland evaporites, that creates new detachment folds (Barbastro and Altarriba anticlines, Azanuy syncline). An episode of out-of sequence thrusting generates small thrust-top basins on the Sierras Marginales, filled by the Baells conglomerates. The Sariñena systems tract accumulated in a wide foreland trough, with a strongly subsiding located in the Azanuy syncline