Narrow Absorption Lines Complex. III. Gradual Transition from Type S to Type N Broad Absorption Line

Abstract

We study the relationship between the broad absorption lines (BALs) that can be decomposed into multiple narrow absorption lines and those that cannot (hereafter Type N and Type S BAL, respectively), based on the analysis of three BAL systems (systems A, B, and C) in two-epoch spectra of quasar SDSS J113009.40+495247.9 (hereafter J1130+4952). As the velocity decreases (from systems A to C), these three BAL systems show a gradual transition from Type S to Type N BAL, and their equivalent widths (EWs) and profile shapes vary in a regular way. We ascribe the absorption line variability in J1130+4952 to the ionization change as a response to the fluctuation of the ionizing continuum based on several factors: (1) coordinated EW strengthening over a wide range in systems A and B, (2) the system B shows an obvious change in Si IV but no significant change in C IV BAL, and (3) asynchronized variability between the continuum and absorption lines. Based on the analysis of the variation mechanism, location, ionization state, and structure of systems A, B, and C, we hold the view that the Type S and Type N BALs in J1130+4952 probe the same clumped outflow, with the Type S BALs originating from the inner part of the outflow with a relatively higher ionization state, smaller column density and more clumpy structures, while the Type N BALs originate from the outer part of the outflow with relatively lower ionization state, larger column density, and fewer clumpy structures.