Galaxy properties in low X-ray luminosity clusters at z=0.25

We present the first spectroscopic survey of intrinsically low X-ray luminosity clusters at z >> 0, with Hubble Space Telescope (HST) WFPC2 imaging and spectroscopy from Calar Alto and WHT-LDSS2. We study 172 confirmed cluster members in a sample of ten clusters at 0.23 < z < 0.3, with L(x)less than or similar to4 x 10(43)h(-2) erg s(-1) [0.1-2.4 keV] (Omega(m) = 0.3, Lambda = 0.7). The core of each cluster is imaged with WFPC2 in the F702W filter, and the spectroscopic sample is statistically complete to M-r similar to - 19.0 + 5 log h, within an 11 arcmin (similar to 1.8 h(-1) Mpc) field. The clusters are dynamically well-separated from the surrounding field and most have velocity distributions consistent with Gaussians. The velocity dispersions range from similar to350-850 km s(-1), consistent with the local L-x-sigma correlation. All 10 clusters host a bright, giant elliptical galaxy without emission lines, near the centre of the X-ray emission. We measure the equivalent width of two nebular emission lines, [Oil] and Ha, and the W absorption line to classify the cluster members spectrally. Galaxy morphologies are measured from the HST images, using the two-dimensional surface-brightness fitting software GIM2D. Emission-line galaxies in these clusters are relatively rare, comprising only 22 +/- 4 per cent of the sample. There is no evidence that these emission-line galaxies are dynamically distinct from the majority of the cluster population, though our sample is too small to rule out the similar to30 per cent difference that has been observed in more massive clusters. We find 11 galaxies, comprising 6 per cent of the cluster members, that are disc-dominated but show no sign of emission in their spectrum. Most of these are relatively isolated, spiral galaxies with smooth discs. We find no cluster members with a starburst or post-starburst spectrum. The striking similarity between the spectral and morphological properties of galaxies in these clusters and those of galaxies in more massive systems at similar redshifts implies that the physical processes responsible for truncating star formation in galaxies are not restricted to the rare, rich cluster environment, but are viable in much more common environments. In particular, we conclude that ram pressure stripping or cluster-induced starbursts cannot be solely responsible for the low star formation rates in these systems.