Colour evolution of disk galaxy models from z = 4 to z = 0

We calculate synthetic UBVRIJHKLM images, integrated spectra and colours for the disk galaxy formation models of Samland & Gerhard (2002), from redshift z = 4 to z = 0. Two models are considered, an accretion model based on ACDM structure formation simulations, and a classical collapse model in a dark matter halo. Both models provide the star formation history and dynamics of the baryonic component within a three-dimensional chemo-dynamical description. To convert to spectra and colours, we use the latest, metallicity-calibrated spectral library of Westera et al. (2002), including internal absorption. As a first application, we compare the derived colours with Hubble Deep Field North bulge colours and find good agreement. With our model, we disentangle metallicity effects and absorption effects on the integrated colours, and find that absorption effects are dominant for z < 1.5. Furthermore, we confirm the quality of m K as a mass tracer, and find indications for a correlation between (J - K) 0 and metallicity gradients.