Galactic chemical evolution: the observational side

Abstract

In this review I outline some ideas in chemical evolution, necessary for understanding the evolution of galaxies from measured elemental abundance ratios. I then discuss abundance results from studies of Local Group dwarf galaxies and the globular cluster Omega Cen. I present a qualitative scenario of prolonged chemical enrichment in a leaky box that can explain the observed abundance ratios in these systems. Space limitations prevent a comprehensive review of this vast field, so I have restricted the discussion to dwarf systems.

arXiv commentProceedings from the 11th Symposium on Nuclei in the Cosmos, 19-23 July 2010, Heidelberg, Germany. 14 pages, 4 figures

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