Intertwined Formation of $\rm{H_2}$, Dust, and Stars in Cosmological Simulations

Understand

Context: Molecular hydrogen ($\rm{H_2}$) is crucial in galaxy formation and evolution, serving as the main fuel for star formation (SF).

• In metal-enriched environments, $\rm{H_2}$ primarily forms on interstellar dust grain surfaces.
• However, due to the complexities of modelling this process, SF in cosmological simulations often relies on empirical or theoretical frameworks validated only in the Local Universe to estimate the abundance of $\rm{H_2}$.
• Aims: This study aims to model the connection between star, dust, and $\rm{H_2}$ formation processes in cosmological simulations.