Physical morphology and triggers of starburst galaxies

We present a method of determining the likely trig- gering mechanisms for luminous, nearby starbursts based on their optical asymmetry and (B-V) color - what we term as in- dices of 'physical morphology.' By comparing the starbursts' lo- cations in a color-asymmetry diagram to an independent, nearby galaxy sample, we identify which starbursts are likely triggered by an interaction/merger. We confirm our morphological inter- pretation based on a comparison to 20% and 50% HI velocity- width ratios. We further explain how this use of physical mor- phology can put constraints on the dynamical history of other galaxies, including star-forming galaxies at high redshifts.