The MOSDEF-LRIS Survey: Probing the ISM/CGM Structure of Star-forming Galaxies at z ∼ 2 Using Rest-UV Spectroscopy

The complex structure of gas, metals, and dust in the interstellar circumgalactic medium (ISM CGM, respectively) star-forming galaxies can be probed by Lyα emission absorption, low-ionization (LIS) metal reddening E(B − V). We present a statistical analysis mutual correlations among equivalent width (EWLyα), LIS (EWLIS), V) sample 157 at z ∼ 2.3. With measurements obtained from individual deep rest-UV spectra spectral energy distribution modeling, we find that tightest correlation exists between EWLIS V), although all three parameters are statistically significant. These results signal direct connection metal-enriched H i gas they likely cospatial. By comparing our with predictions different ISM/CGM models, favor dusty model where resides clumps photons escape through low covering fraction/column density intraclump medium. Finally, investigate factors potentially contribute to intrinsic scatter studied this work, including metallicity, outflow kinematics, production efficiency, slit loss. Specifically, evidence relationship EWLyα reflects variation metal–to–H fraction ratio as function metallicity effects outflows on porosity ISM/CGM. Future simulations incorporating star formation feedback radiative transfer will provide key constraints spatial distributions neutral hydrogen structure.