ASTRONOMY COLLOQUIUM

The circumgalactic medium (CGM) mediates inflows and outflows that regulate galaxy formation and growth. Our understanding of the CGM has seen major progress in recent years. We discuss physical processes that shape the exchange of mass, momentum and energy between different gas phases. In particular, we consider scenarios where there is a broad spectrum of cold gas structures, arising from fragmentation, coagulation, and condensation onto gas clouds, and the physical and observational consequences of a multi-scale CGM. We also discuss the influence of non-thermal components such as magnetic fields, turbulence and cosmic rays.