Matching the Observed Star Formation Intensity Distribution with Empirical Laws

Abstract

This letter matches the shape of the star formation intensity distribution function to empirical laws such as the Schmidt law. The shape of the distribution at a redshift of one is reproduced from the empirical Schmidt law with a critical density, a Schechter distribution of galaxy masses and the assumption that star formation occurs mainly in exponential disks. The shape of the distribution depends primarily on two values, the characteristic mass m* in the Schechter mass distribution and the characteristic radius re in the exponential disk. As these characteristic values evolve they will affect the shape of the distribution function. The expected direction of evolution of the parameters partially cancels each other leaving the distribution shape relatively invariant.