2025MNRAS.538.2427W

We present a new algorithm for identifying superbubbles in H I column density maps of both observed and simulated galaxies that has only two adjustable parameters. The algorithm includes an automated galaxy-background separation step to focus the analysis on the galactic disc. To test the algorithm, we compare the superbubbles it finds in a simulated galactic disc with the ones it finds in 21 cm observations of a similar galactic disc. The sizes and radial distribution of those superbubbles are indeed qualitatively similar. However, superbubbles in the simulated galactic disc have lower central H I column densities. The H I superbubbles in the simulated disc are spatially associated with pockets of hot gas. We conclude that the algorithm is a promising method for systematically identifying and characterizing superbubbles using only H I column density maps that will enable standardized tests of stellar feedback models used in galaxy simulations.