Kinematics and Feedback in HII Regions in the Dwarf Starburst Galaxy IC 10

We present a survey of the central region of the nearest starburst galaxy, IC 10, using the W. M. Keck Observatory Keck Cosmic Web Imager (KCWI) at high spectral and spatial resolution. We map the central starburst of IC 10 to sample the kinematic and ionization properties of the individual star-forming regions. Using the low spectral resolution mode of KCWI, we map the oxygen abundance, and with the high spectral resolution mode, we identify 46 individual H II regions. These H II regions have an average radius of 4.0 pc, star formation rate similar to 1.3 x 10(-4) M-circle dot yr(-1), and velocity dispersion similar to 16 km s(-1). None of the H II regions appear to be virialized (alpha(vir) >> 1), and on average, they show evidence of ongoing expansion. IC 10's H II regions are offset from the star-forming-region size-luminosity scaling relationships, as well as Larson's Law that relates size and velocity dispersion. We investigate the balance of inward and outward pressure, P-in and P-out, finding P-out > P-in in 89% of H II regions, indicating feedback-driven expansion even in these low-mass H II regions. We find warm gas pressure (P-gas) provides the dominant contribution to the outward pressure (P-out). This counteracts the inward pressure, which is dominated by turbulence in the surrounding gas rather than self-gravity. Five H II regions show evidence of outflows that are most likely supported by either stellar winds (two regions) or champagne flows (three regions). These observations provide new insights into the state of the star-forming regions in IC 10 and negative feedback from low-mass clusters.

Automated summary

In this study, we surveyed the central region of the nearby starburst galaxy IC 10 using the high spectral and spatial resolution Keck Cosmic Web Imager. The results show that the H II regions in IC 10 are expanding, likely driven by feedback, and warm gas pressure dominates the outward pressure. Additionally, evidence of outflows supported by stellar winds or champagne flows was found.