The Interstellar Medium in Galaxies

The Interstellar Medium in Galaxies is a collection of seven reviews covering the following constituents of the interstellar medium: dust, molecular gas, neutral atomic hydrogen, ionized hydrogen, and hot gas, and covering the abundances of heavy elements in the interstellar medium and the role of star formation. The reviews not only provide a good background in these subjects, but also describe in detail the most recent advances in the area and discuss the current problems in the field. The properties of the different constituents of the interstellar medium are discussed within the perspective of the difference in properties of the parent galaxies and the environment.The interplay between star formation and the characteristics of the interstellar medium is also discussed in detail. This volume provides very up-to-date material on the subject of the interstellar medium in galaxies and is useful both as a basic reference for professional scientists in this field and as an introductory book for astronomers who want to familiarize themselves with this field. This volume can also serve as an accompanying text book for graduate courses on the interstellar medium.