Galactic chemical evolution: the observational side

Abstract

In this review I outline some ideas in chemical evolution, necessary for understanding the evolution of galaxies from measured elemental abundance ratios. I then discuss abundance results from studies of Local Group dwarf galaxies and the globular cluster Omega Cen. I present a qualitative scenario of prolonged chemical enrichment in a leaky box that can explain the observed abundance ratios in these systems. Space limitations prevent a comprehensive review of this vast field, so I have restricted the discussion to dwarf systems.