1482 Gaussian clumps in the Central Molecular Zone

We find that the clumps follow a scaling of m={rho}_0_r^3^, which corresponds to a characteristic density of n_H_2__=1.6x10^3^/cm^3^ ({rho}_0_=112M{sun}/pc^3^) with a variation of ~0.5dex, where we assumed a gas-to-dust mass ratio of 100.

This characteristic density can be interpreted as the result of thermal pressure equilibrium between the molecular gas and the warm ambient interstellar medium. Such an equilibrium can plausibly be established since shear has approximately the same strength as self-gravity. Our findings may explain the fact that star formation in the CMZ is highly inefficient compared to the rest of the Milky Way disk.