Outflows from active galactic nuclei: The BLR-NLR metallicity
  correlation
  The metallicity of active galactic nuclei (AGNs), which can be measured by
emission line ratios in their broad and narrow line regions (BLRs and NLRs),
provides invaluable information about the physical connection between the
different components of AGNs. From the archival databases of the International
Ultraviolet Explorer, the Hubble Space Telescope and the Sloan Digital Sky
Survey, we have assembled the largest sample available of AGNs which have
adequate spectra in both the optical and ultraviolet bands to measure the
narrow line ratio [N II]/H{\alpha} and also, in the same objects, the
broad-line N V/C IV ratio. These permit the measurement of the metallicities in
the NLRs and BLRs in the same objects. We find that neither the BLR nor the NLR
metallicity correlate with black hole masses or Eddington ratios, but there is
a strong correlation between NLR and BLR metallicities. This metallicity
correlation implies that outflows from BLRs carry metal-rich gas to NLRs at
characteristic radial distances of ~ 1.0 kiloparsec. This chemical connection
provides evidence for a kinetic feedback of the outflows to their hosts. Metals
transported into the NLR enhance the cooling of the ISM in this region, leading
to local star formation after the AGNs turn to narrow line LINERs. This
post-AGN star formation is predicted to be observable as an excess continuum
emission from the host galaxies in the near infrared and ultraviolet, which
needs to be further explored.
