Inflow of the Broad-Line Region and the Fundamental Limitations of Reverberation Mapping

Understand

The evidence from velocity-resolved reverberation mapping showing a net infall of the broad-line region (BLR) of AGNs is reviewed.

• Different lines in many objects at different epochs give a consistent picture of BLR motions.
• The motions are dominated by virialized motion (rotation plus turbulence) with significant net inflow.
• The BLR mass influx is sufficient to power the AGN.