Superbubble Activity in Star-Forming Galaxies (Review)

M.S. Oey

Mechanical feedback from massive stars, primarily from supernovae, can dominate ISM structuring and phase balance, thereby profoundly affecting galactic evolutionary processes. Our understanding of mechanical feedback is based on the adiabatic, wind-driven bubble model, applied on size scales ranging over three decades. Tests of the model, and our consequent understanding of feedback, are reviewed. While the model is broadly successful, critical unknowns still prevent a comprehensive understanding of the consequences of feedback.