On the evolution of a system of intergalactic clouds

The presence of L_a-forests in the spectra of quasars is considered as proof of the fragmentary structure of the intergalactic medium. The masses of the clumps (of clouds) will increase as they merge together. Once the radial concentration of neutral hydrogen in a cloud attains its critical value, star formation begins, and the cloud turns into a galaxy. Certain physical properties of clouds are considered and a new approach to the investigation of the evolution of systems of clouds is proposed.Translated from Astrofizika, Vol. 37, No. 1, pp. 35–42, January–March, 1994.