Chemical abundance constraints on galaxy formation

Abstract

According to current structure formation scenarios, dwarf galaxies are the fundamental building blocks of galactic evolution. The surviving systems thereby provide a unique laboratory for detailed study of the generic galactic assembly process and the chemo-dynamical evolution of the low-mass end of the galaxy distribution. In this proceedings, I will outline important differences in the chemistry of the stars in the dwarf satellite galaxies versus those of the stellar populations in the Galaxy, and discuss some pros and cons of various formation scenarios for the Galactic halo and thick disk.