A new model for the width of the broad emission lines in AGN - The role ofthe accretion rate

We present a model which relates the Broad Emission Line Regions of AGN to the accretion mechanism. Based on the Keplerian assumption for the high vel ocity clouds of the gas responsible for the production of the Broad Emissio n Lines, we identify that gas with an outflowing disk/coronal wind from a s tabilized Shakura-Sunyaev accretion disk. We show that in the framework of this picture the observed range of H beta FWHM from Broad Line to Narrow Li ne type 1 AGN, is well reproduced as a function of the accretion rate. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.