The multi-phase gaseous halos of star forming late-type galaxies - II. Statistical analysis of key parameters

Abstract

In Paper I we showed that multi-phase gaseous halos of late-type spiral galaxies, detected in the radio continuum, in Halpha, and in X-rays, are remarkably well correlated regarding their morphology and spatial extent. In this work we present new results from a statistical analysis in order to specify and quantify these phenomenological relations. This is accomplished by investigating soft X-ray (0.3-2.0keV) luminosities, FIR, radio continuum, Halpha, B-band, and UV luminosities for a sample of 23 edge-on late-type spiral galaxies. Typical star formation indicators, such as SFRs, are determined and a statistical correlation analysis is carried out. We find strong linear correlations, covering at least two orders of magnitude, between star formation indicators and integrated (disk+halo) luminosities in all covered wavebands. In addition to the well established L_FIR/L_1.4GHz-relation, we show new and highly significant linear dependencies between integrated soft X-ray luminosities and FIR, radio continuum, Halpha, B-band, and UV luminosities. Moreover, integrated soft X-ray luminosities correlate well with SFRs and the energy input into the ISM by SNe. The same holds if these quantities are plotted against soft halo X-ray luminosities. Only a weak correlation exists between the dust mass of a galaxy and the corresponding X-ray luminosity. Among soft X-ray luminosities, baryonic, and HI-gas masses, no significant correlations are found. There seems to exist a critical input energy by SNe into the ISM or a SFR threshold for multi-phase halos to show up. It is still not clear whether this threshold is a physical or an instrument dependent sensitivity limit. These findings strongly support our previous results, but conflict with the concept of halos being due to infalling gas from the IGM.

8 pages, 3 figures, 1 table, accepted for publication in A&A