Properties of Merger-Driven Shocks in Galaxy Clusters

Abstract

Clusters of galaxies form through the hierarchical formation of nonlinear structures including mergers. As a consequence, shock waves are induced in the intracluster medium (ICM) of hot, high-plasma-beta plasma. Shocks driven by mergers are energetic enough to result in observable phenomena. So X-ray shocks and radio relics, usually observed in outskirts of merging clusters, are interpreted as merger shocks. Here, we present the quantitative properties of the merger shocks identified in merging clusters from simulations for the large-scale structure formation of the universe. We then discuss implications of our study for the X-ray and radio observations of ICM shocks.