Galaxy Mergers atz ≳ 1 in the HUDF: Evidence for a Peak in the Major Merger Rate of Massive Galaxies1

We present a measurement of the galaxy merger fraction and number density from observations in the Hubble Ultra Deep Field for 0. 510¹0 Mₛol. When correcting for mass incompleteness, the major merger fraction is not simply proportional to (1+z) ᵐ, but appears to peak at zfrac~=1. 3+-0. 4. From this merger fraction, we infer that ~42% of massive galaxies have undergone a major merger since z~1. We show that the major merger number density peaks at zdens~1. 2, which marks the epoch where major merging of massive galaxies is most prevalent. This critical redshift is comparable to the peak of the cosmic star formation rate density, and occurs roughly 2. 6 Gyr earlier in cosmic time than the peak in the number density of X-ray selected active galactic nuclei. These observations support an indirect evolutionary link between merging, starburst, and active galaxies.