Abstract We present a systematic investigation of the X-ray spectral variability of Seyfert 1 galaxies using a “spectral-ratio model fitting” technique, which we developed to estimate the contribution of putative clumpy absorbers to the spectral variations. Archival XMM–Newton observations of 12 active galactic nuclei were analyzed to constrain the properties of these absorbers. Our analysis demonstrates that the soft X–ray variability is primarily governed by fluctuation of the partial covering fraction of mildly ionized clumpy clouds. In particular, for Mrk 335, PDS 456, and 1H 0707-495, outflow velocities of the clumpy absorbers are constrained from the blueshifts of the Fe-L edge structure. The blueshifted Fe-L edge successfully reproduces the well-known complex spectral feature near 1 keV in 1H 0707-495, which was often explained by invoking an ad hoc absorption structure. Notably, the inferred outflow velocities of the clumpy absorbers are comparable to, or even exceed, those associated with the ultra–fast outflows (UFOs). Furthermore, we found a positive correlation between the outflow velocities and the intrinsic X–ray fluxes in two of four data sets, and the remaining two datasets also agree with this positive correlation, which supports a radiative-driven wind scenario that the X-ray/UV emission from the central black holes is causing the UFOs and the outflowing clumpy absorbers. In addition, the line-driven acceleration is likely playing a significant role, since the line opacities of the clumpy absorbers are highly sensitive to the flux changes. These findings provide robust observational support for the “hot inner and clumpy outer wind” paradigm, suggesting a common origin for both the UFOs and the clumpy absorbers.
Midooka et al. (Fri,) studied this question.