# The GOLIATH Survey: OVI Absorption Reveals CGM Evolution through the Starburst-to-Quiescent Transition in Massive Galaxies

**Authors:** Derick Flores, Rongmon Bordoloi, Jason Tumlinson, J. Christopher Howk, Nicolas Lehner, Mary Rickel, Benjamin Oppenheimer, Joseph Burchett, Ahmed Shaban, John O'Meara, Andrew Fox, J. Xavier Prochaska, Simon Xinlin Wu, Jack Higginson, Robert A. Simcoe  
**arXiv:** [2607.19473](https://arxiv.org/abs/2607.19473)  
**Date:** 2026-07-21  
**Summary page:** https://www.summarizepaper.com/en/paper/2607.19473v1/

## Key points

- The GOLIATH survey focuses on Galaxies, Outflows, and the Lifecycle of Immense, Active, Transforming Halos
- Examines OVI absorption in the inner halo of massive blue starburst and post-starburst galaxies at an average redshift of approximately 0.43
- Significant increase in OVI column density observed across the star-forming population as stellar mass grows
- Correlation between specific star-formation rate (sSFR) and CGM OVI absorption strength
- Star-forming galaxies within log M_star/M_sun = [11,12) exhibit higher OVI column density and CGM OVI mass compared to quiescent counterparts
- Feedback-driven radiative cooling mechanisms influence OVI line widths and column densities
- Continuous replenishment by active feedback processes is necessary due to short cooling timescale
- OVI serves as a valuable tracer for feedback processes occurring on short timescales in galaxy evolution

## Summary

The GOLIATH survey is a comprehensive study that focuses on the Galaxies, Outflows, and the Lifecycle of Immense, Active, Transforming Halos. It delves into the multiphase circumgalactic medium (CGM) surrounding massive blue starburst and post-starburst galaxies at an average redshift of approximately 0.43. By examining OVI absorption in the inner halo of these unique systems up to a radius of 60% of the virial radius, this study sheds light on the warm-hot CGM properties. One key finding is the significant increase in OVI column density across the star-forming population as stellar mass grows from around log M_star/M_sun ~ 8 to ~11.5. This trend also correlates with specific star-formation rate (sSFR), with galaxies exhibiting higher sSFR displaying stronger CGM OVI absorption. Notably, two galaxies with the highest sSFR demonstrate particularly intense OVI absorption with log N_OVI/cm^-2 exceeding 15. In exploring the inner-CGM region for galaxies within log M_star/M_sun = [11,12), it becomes evident that massive star-forming galaxies surpass quiescent counterparts by roughly threefold in OVI column density and approximately 1.5 dex in CGM OVI mass. The covering fractions are also notably higher for star-forming galaxies compared to quiescent ones at log N_OVI/cm^-2 greater than or equal to 14. The characteristics of OVI line widths and column densities align well with feedback-driven radiative cooling mechanisms where outflow shocks heat up the CGM before gas cools back through the OVI channel. The short cooling timescale of about 10-100 million years necessitates continuous replenishment by active feedback processes to maintain this reservoir effectively. Furthermore, residual OVI observed in quiescent systems may originate from ambient gas existing at the high-temperature end of the cooling curve. Therefore, OVI serves as a valuable tracer for feedback processes occurring on short timescales and offers insights into the transition from star-forming to quiescent states for galaxies with stellar masses exceeding log M_star/M_sun ~11. Overall, this comprehensive analysis provided by the GOLIATH survey enhances our understanding of how galaxy evolution impacts their surrounding CGM and sheds light on critical processes driving feedback mechanisms within these immense galactic systems.