Giant molecular outflows powered by protostars in L1448

We present sensitive (T*(R) approximate to 0.1 K), large-scale (47' x 7'-co rresponding to 4 pc x 0.6 pc at the source) maps of the CO J = 1-->0 emissi on of the L1448 dark cloud at 55 " resolution. These maps were acquired usi ng the on-the-fly (OTF) capability of the NRAO 12 m telescope atop Kitt Pea k in Arizona. CO outflow activity is seen in L1448 on parsec scales for the first time. Careful comparison of the spatial and velocity distribution of our high-velocity CO maps with previously published optical and near-infra red images and spectra has led to the identification of six distinct CO out flows. Three of these are powered by the Class 0 protostars, L1448C, L1448N (A), and L1448N(B). L1448 IRS 2 is the source of two more outflows, one of which is newly identified from our maps. The sixth newly discovered outflow is powered by an as yet unidentified source outside of our map boundaries. We show the direct link between the heretofore unknown, giant, highly coll imated, protostellar molecular outflows and their previously discovered, di stant optical manifestations. The outflows traced by our CO mapping general ly reach the projected cloud boundaries. Integrated intensity maps over nar row velocity intervals indicate there is significant overlap of blue- and r edshifted gas, suggesting the outflows are highly inclined with respect to the line of sight, although the individual outflow position angles are sign ificantly different. The velocity channel maps also show that the outflows dominate the CO Line cores as well as the high-velocity wings. The magnitud e of the combined flow momenta, as well as the combined kinetic energy of t he flows, are sufficient to disperse the 50 M. NH3 cores in which the proto stars are currently forming, although some question remains as to the exact processes involved in redirecting the directionality of the outflow moment a to effect the complete dispersal of the parent cloud.