2017MNRAS.469.1521D

We present a model for the origin of the extended law of star formation in which the surface density of star formation (Σ_SFR) depends not only on the local surface density of the gas (Σ_g) but also on the stellar surface density (Σ_*), the velocity dispersion of the stars and on the scaling laws of turbulence in the gas. We compare our model with the spiral, face-on galaxy NGC 628 and show that the dependence of the star formation rate on the entire set of physical quantities for both gas and stars can help explain both the observed general trends in the Σ_g - Σ_SFR and Σ_* - Σ_SFR relations, but also, and equally important, the scatter in these relations at any value of Σ_g and Σ_*. Our results point out to the crucial role played by existing stars along with the gaseous component in setting the conditions for large scale gravitational instabilities and star formation in galactic discs.