Published in 1987, "QSO Absorption Lines: Probing the Universe", eds. J.C. Blades, D.A. Turnshek and C.A. Norman

Abstract. The properties of the Ly- and the narrow metal line systems in QSO spectra are compared. While they clearly differ in their clustering behavior, they might nevertheless be similar in many ways, including their origins, metal abundances and rate of evolution. Much information can be gained from comparative studies.

Table of Contents

INTRODUCTION

ABUNDANCES

COLUMN DENSITIES

IONIZATION

SHEETS OR SPHERES?

EVOLUTION

CLUSTERING

INTERPRETATIONS

REFERENCES