Assigned ID: 914 ----- Attempting Submission 1 (Fri Feb 24 23:31:01 GMT 2012) ----- The massive galaxy population at z~2 appears to be quite diverse, ranging from large and clumpy star-forming galaxies to compact quiescent systems. However, the origin of compact quiescent galaxies and their relation to the larger star-forming galaxies are still poorly understood. In the proposed work we will make use of the exquisite CANDELS imaging data in combination with a novel approach to “spectroscopically” characterize the distant galaxy population to connect galaxies of different types and at different times. Using the high-quality photometry of the NEWFIRM Medium-Band Survey we have divided the galaxy sample at 0.5<z<2.0 in 32 different subsamples and constructed a composite SED for each subsample. The SEDs are of spectroscopic quality and exhibit various emission and absorption features. They span a wide range in evolutionary phases, and thus form a perfect basis to study the structural evolution of galaxies. We will use the 4-band CANDELS data in COSMOS to obtain stellar mass profiles and distributions of galaxies as a function of SED type, stellar mass, and redshift. This study will constrain the different scenarios proposed to explain a possible evolutionary connection between the large star-forming and compact quiescent galaxies. The composite SEDs in combination with the CANDELS data will also allow us to connect galaxies of the same type, but observed from different angles. We will use this method to constrain the dust attenuation law and 2175 Angstrom dust absorption feature in distant galaxies. Possible correlations between its strength and the spectral/morphological type of the galaxy may give crucial clues to the still unknown origin of this feature. UNRESOLVED STELLAR POPULATIONS AND GALAXY STRUCTURE 12 Medium false 0.0 0.0 false false false false SUPPORTED