The kinematic properties of clumpy star-forming galaxies

This thesis presents a multiwavelength survey of luminous star-forming galaxies. It features new data from integral field spectroscopy aided by adaptive optics along with space-based imaging. These galaxies are representative of the most luminous galaxies at this epoch, providing useful testbeds to study the triggers of rapid star formation. Within the sample, we have uncovered clumpy and smooth disk galaxies as well as compact galaxies. The results suggest that these star-forming galaxies are fed by streams of cold gas from the cosmos that drive-up disk turbulence resulting in the large clumps of star formation.