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Using fine structure line emission to observe the life-cycle of molecular clouds

Objective

The formation of stars underpins all of astrophysics, from driving the evolution of galaxies to setting the conditions for the genesis of planetary systems. Stars form deeply embedded in the densest regions of molecular clouds (MCs), but we still know very little about how MCs are assembled and destroyed -- the two processes that ultimately set the timescale over which stars can form. Since carbon monoxide (CO) forms up to 10 Myr after the MC forms and is easily dissociated by energetic photons, it is a poor probe of MC formation and stellar feedback.

This project aims to determine the range of conditions under which MCs are formed and destroyed using newly accessible tracers of MCs and their environments: ionised carbon ([CII]), atomic carbon ([CI]) and atomic oxygen ([OI]). Together with CO, these tracers supply a comprehensive structural and dynamical profile of MC environments. In a sample of galactic clouds, we will measure the gas density, temperature and the local interstellar radiation field. We will compare observed dynamic signatures to simulations to MC formation scenarios, and we will determine the peak turbulence driving scale and the nature of stellar feedback in dense and diffuse gas.

This project makes timely use of new observational capabilities offered by Herschel and SOFIA alongside results of state-of-the-art numerical simulations. Using these tools together, the fellow will determine the physical processes driving the formation and destruction of MCs, which can be applied to better understand how galaxies evolve as star formation engines.

Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)

CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: https://op.europa.eu/en/web/eu-vocabularies/euroscivoc.

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Programme(s)

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Topic(s)

Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.

Funding Scheme

Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.

MSCA-IF-EF-ST - Standard EF

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Call for proposal

Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.

(opens in new window) H2020-MSCA-IF-2015

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Coordinator

CARDIFF UNIVERSITY
Net EU contribution

Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.

€ 183 454,80
Address
RESEARCH SERVICES C/O MAIN BUILDING
CF10 3AT CARDIFF
United Kingdom

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Region
Wales East Wales Cardiff and Vale of Glamorgan
Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
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Total cost

The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.

€ 183 454,80
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