| I present abundance distribution functions for fields along the minor axis of the Galactic bulge based on CCD photometric observations toward seven windows of low extinction. Abundance distribution functions are the most useful form of data to constrain models of the star formation and the chemical enrichment of the bulge. By using the recently-calibrated Washington photometric filter system, the distribution function in (Fe/H) is determined for each field, and consequently I derive the abundance gradient for the bulge. To supplement these observations I analyzed, from medium dispersion spectra, line strengths of the 33 known bulge carbon stars. The radial velocities of these carbons stars and of 39 bulge RR Lyrae variables is also presented.;Beyond 8 degrees from the Galactic center, the mean of the abundance distribution drops precipitously with an abundance gradient of ;Within 8 degrees of the Galactic center (... |
