Tagged Questions

1
vote
1answer
30 views

Uniqueness of Seifert graphs

If we make the bands and disks of a Seifert surface really small and really thin the surface collapses to a graph. It is called a Seifert graph. If it is not a directed and weighted graph, can we ...
1
vote
1answer
42 views

Graphs from Seifert surfaces

Given a Seifert surface if we make the disks and bands infinitely small and thin it becomes a graph where the disks are vertices and the bands are edges. Can we say that following theorem, For ...
1
vote
2answers
47 views

Uniqueness of Seifert surfaces of knots

I know the theorem that Given a knot K in the 3-sphere, it has a Seifert surface S whose boundary is K. So, can we also say that for every unique Seifert surface there is an unique knot and vice ...
4
votes
1answer
89 views

Representation of (co)homology classes of $3$-manifolds by embedded surfaces

Let $M$ be a closed oriented $3$-manifold. Theorems in algebraic topology allow us to identify $$H_2(M) \ \cong \ H^1(M) \ \cong \ \langle M,S^1\rangle$$ where (co)homology is meant with integer ...
3
votes
0answers
67 views

Classification of fundamental groups of non-orientable surfaces

I want to compute the presentation of the fundamental group of the non orientable surfaces $N_h$, thus $\pi_1(N_h)$. I notated with $N_h$ the sphere with $h$ crosscaps. Herefore I first have to ...
12
votes
1answer
267 views

A simply-connected closed surface is a sphere

From the Classification Theorem for closed (i.e. compact and boundaryless) surfaces, it follows that $S^2$ is the only closed surface with trivial $\pi _1$. That's easy because the fundamental group ...
0
votes
1answer
129 views

$S-\{p\}$ admits a bouquet of circles as deformation retract.

Let $S$ be a closed compact surface, $p\in S$ and $X=S-\{p\}$. Show that X admits a bouquet of circles as deformation retract. How many circles? I'm starting to study algebraic topology and I can't ...
5
votes
0answers
73 views

Normal subgroups of the fundamental group of a non-orientable surface.

Let $N^2_g$ be a non-orientable closed genus $g\geq 2$ surface. Is there a way to explicitly list the normal subgroups of $\pi_1(N^2_g)$ in terms of generators and relations? I am interested in ...
0
votes
2answers
171 views

Euler characteristic of a surface

It is known that a closed orientable surface of genus $g$ has Euler characteristic $2-2g$. According to this, the open disc being of genus $0$ should have Euler characteristic $2$, but this ...
3
votes
2answers
84 views

What's the K-group of a surface?

What's the K-group of a surface? I also want to know how to calculate such group and if there is a explicit characterization of the generators.
4
votes
0answers
182 views

Morse theory and homology of an algebraic surface (example)

Let $T_n$ denote the $n$-th Chebyshev polynomial and define $f_n(x,y,z)\!:=\!T_n(x)\!+\!T_n(y)\!+\!T_n(z)$ and $$Z_n:=\mathcal{Z}(f_n) \subseteq \mathbb{R}^3,$$ the Bachoff-Chmutov surface, where in ...
1
vote
1answer
68 views

How do I find the number of vertices on a planar diagram of a surface?

Cheers, I have a question which I just do not seem to see the answer for: I am proving the classification theorem for compact surfaces and use planar diagrams as representation of the surfaces. I ...
3
votes
1answer
147 views

Rank of first homology group for surface with punctures?

I feel like this question will be a head-slapper once I figure out the answer, but for the moment I'm having trouble! Let $M$ be a compact, connected, orientable 2-manifold of genus $g$ with $b$ ...
3
votes
1answer
141 views

triangulation of pair of pants

How can we triangulate a pair of pants in a simple way? I am looking for some triangulation where I can compute the Euler characterstic easily (which is -1 for a pair of pants).
3
votes
2answers
74 views

Group of automorphisms of an orientable surface

If we consider the group of automorphisms of an orientable surface, then the subgroup that contains the orientation-preserving automorphisms will be of index two. Why is that? Any explanation will ...
7
votes
1answer
121 views

Why can all surfaces with boundary be realized in $\mathbb{R}^3$?

I'm having trouble comprehending an informal proof of the fact that all compact surfaces with boundary can be realized in $\mathbb{R}^3$. I'm trying to find a proof of it on the internet, but I can't ...
2
votes
2answers
125 views

Replacing two cross-caps by a handle

For a non-orientable surface, we can replace a handle by two cross-caps. Can we do the opposite i.e replace any two cross-caps by a handle? Any help is appreciated!!
2
votes
0answers
35 views

ruling out non Pseudo-anosov automorphisms

We are given a fibration $S\to M\to S^1$ where S is a compact hyperbolic surface, M a 3-manifold and $S^1$ the circle. Topologically speaking, it is clear that M has to be the mapping torus ...
2
votes
1answer
117 views

Supposedly “trivial” implication that injective surfaces are incompressible

My question is about a passage in Algorithmic Topology and Classification of 3-Manifolds by Sergei Matveev. Let $F$ be a surface in some $3$-manifold $M$. $F$ is called incompressible if for every ...
9
votes
2answers
350 views

What are all topological spaces obtained by gluing the edges of a triangle?

I am currently learning about polygonal presentations of surfaces. In the notation I'm using (following Lee's "Topological Manifolds"), $\langle a, b \ |\ aba^{-1}b^{-1}\rangle$ is a presentation of ...
5
votes
1answer
159 views

How to correct a wrong proof about the Birman exact sequence?

I've given a proof of the exactness of the Birman exact sequence of groups: $$1\to\pi_1(S_{g,r}^s)\to MCG(S_{g,r}^{s+1})\overset{\lambda}{\to} MCG(S_{g,r}^s)\to 1$$ making use of classifying spaces ...
3
votes
1answer
104 views

Article or book explaining rigorously facts about the mapping class group

I would like to know more about relationships between the mapping class group of an orientable surface with negative Euler's characteristic and moduli spaces. In particular, I would like to have a ...