Abstract:
We present a study of the influence of galaxy mergers on star formation at 0.3 < z < 2.5. Mergers have projected galaxy nucleus separation of their members between 3 and 15 kpc. We compare the star formation activity in merging and nonmerging galaxies and find no significant differences. Our results suggest that at galaxy nucleus separations of 3–15 kpc merging galaxies are still in an early stage and are yet to reach the maximum level of star formation activity. Furthermore, the level of star formation enhancement and its duration could be arguably reduced compared to local mergers, as shown by simulations of high-z mergers, and might also depend on the physical properties of the galaxies.