On the scale height of the molecular gas disc in Milky Way-like galaxies

ABSTRACT We study the relationship between scale height of molecular gas disc and turbulent velocity dispersion interstellar medium within a simulation Milky Way-like galaxy in moving-mesh code arepo. find that vertical distribution can be described by Gaussian function with uniform ∼50 pc. investigate whether this is consistent state hydrostatic balance gravity pressure. prediction using total (as one would measure from kiloparsec-scale observations) gives an overestimate true height. The centroids discrete giant clouds (cloud–cloud dispersion) leads to more accurate estimates. internal elevated locally enhanced gravitational field. Our results suggest observations need reach individual order accurately determine