A MULTITRANSITIONAL CO STUDY OF THE CEPHEUS-C CLOUD

Strip maps of (CO)-C-12, (CO)-C-13, and (CO)-O-18 J = 2-1 and J = 1-0 emissions from the Cep C dense core have been obtained to determine it s density distribution and kinematic properties. Using large velocity gradient models to estimate gas conditions, we find that the H-2 volum e density ranges between 2500 cm(-3) at the core edge to 7000 cm(-3) a t the central position. Absorption features are found in the (CO)-C-12 lines which are redshifted with respect to the cloud core velocities. Self-absorption is also identified in the profiles of (CO)-C-13 J = 2 -1 emission but at velocities much closer to those of the central core of the line. Such a velocity structure denotes different kinematics a nd thermal conditions within several layers of material along the line of sight.