GAMA/G10-COSMOS/3D-HST: Evolution of the galaxy stellar mass function over 12.5 Gyr
Abstract
Using a combined and consistently analysed GAMA, G10-COSMOS, and 3D-HST data set, we explore the evolution of the galaxy stellar mass function over lookback times t_L \in [0.2,12.5] { h^{-1}_{70} Gyr}. We use a series of volume-limited samples to fit Schechter functions in bins of ∼constant lookback time and explore the evolution of the best-fitting parameters in both single and two-component cases. In all cases, we employ a fitting procedure that is robust to the effects of Eddington bias and sample variance. Surprisingly, when fitting a two-component Schechter function, we find essentially no evidence of temporal evolution in M⋆, the two α slope parameters, or the normalization of the low-mass component. Instead, our fits suggest that the various shape parameters have been exceptionally stable over cosmic time, as has the normalization of the low-mass component, and that the evolution of the stellar mass function is well described by a simple build-up of the high-mass component over time. When fitting a single component Schechter function, there is an observed evolution in both M⋆ and α; however, this is interpreted as being an artefact. Finally, we find that the evolution of the stellar mass function, and the observed stellar mass density, can be well described by a simple model of constant growth in the high-mass source density over the last 11 h^{-1}_{70} Gyr.
- Publication:
-
Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
- Pub Date:
- November 2018
- DOI:
- 10.1093/mnras/sty2136
- arXiv:
- arXiv:1808.01754
- Bibcode:
- 2018MNRAS.480.3491W
- Keywords:
-
- galaxies: evolution;
- galaxies: luminosity function;
- mass function;
- galaxies: stellar content;
- Astrophysics - Astrophysics of Galaxies
- E-Print:
- 13 pages, 5 figures, accepted for publication in MNRAS