A combined low-radio frequency/X-ray study of galaxy groups I. Giant
  Metrewave Radio Telescope observations at 235 MHz and 610 MHz
  We present new Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope observations at 235 MHz and
610 MHz of 18 X-ray bright galaxy groups. These observations are part of an
extended project, presented here and in future papers, which combines
low-frequency radio and X-ray data to investigate the interaction between
central active galactic nuclei (AGN) and the intra-group medium (IGM). The
radio images show a very diverse population of group-central radio sources,
varying widely in size, power, morphology and spectral index. Comparison of the
radio images with Chandra and XMM-Newton X-ray images shows that groups with
significant substructure in the X-ray band and marginal radio emission at >= 1
GHz host low-frequency radio structures that correlate with substructures in
IGM. Radio-filled X-ray cavities, the most evident form of AGN/IGM interaction
in our sample, are found in half of the systems, and are typically associated
with small, low- or mid-power double radio sources. Two systems, NGC5044 and
NGC4636, possess multiple cavities, which are isotropically distributed around
the group center, possibly due to group weather. In other systems the
radio/X-ray correlations are less evident. However, the AGN/IGM interaction can
manifest itself through the effects of the high-pressure medium on the
morphology, spectral properties and evolution of the radio-emitting plasma. In
particular, the IGM can confine fading radio lobes in old/dying radio galaxies
and prevent them from dissipating quickly. Evidence for radio emission produced
by former outbursts that coexist with current activity is found in six groups
of the sample.
