Quasar Absorption Lines as a Function of Quasar Orientation Measures

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Abstract
We present high-resolution radio data at 3.5 and 20 cm from the VLA in the A configuration for 144 quasars with known C IV absorption-line properties. Using these measurements, we compare and contrast a number of quasar orientation indicators. These quantities are used to study the velocity distribution of C IV absorption lines as a function of quasar orientation measures. That there is an excess of narrow, high-velocity C IV absorbers in flat spectrum quasars as compared to steep spectrum quasars is confirmed. Orientation indicators that are not based upon spectral indices (e.g., RV and the core-to-lobe ratio) do not show the same effect. These seemingly contradictory results may be reconciled if the absorber distribution is not strictly a function of orientation, but rather a function of intrinsic radio properties that may or may not be good orientation indicators.
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