The variable ionized absorber in the Seyfert 2 Mrk 348

Abstract

We present the results of the analysis of the X-ray spectrum of the Seyfert 2 Mrk 348, observed by Suzaku and XMM-Newton. The overall spectrum of Mrk 348 can be described by a primary power-law continuum seen through three layers of absorption, of which one is neutral and two are ionized. Comparing Suzaku (2008) and XMM-Newton (2002) observations we find variability of the X-ray spectral curvature. We suggest that the variability can be explained through the change of column density of both the neutral and one of the ionized absorbers, together with a variation of the ionization level of the same absorber. We thus confirm one of the main features presented in past works, where intrinsic column density variability up to ∼10²³ cm^-2 was observed on time-scales of months. We also find that the photon index of the underlying power-law continuum (Γ ∼ 1.8) is in agreement with the previous observations of this Seyfert 2.