Cycles in Algebraic and Tropical Geometry

Document Type

Event

Location

Math Conference Room: College of Arts and Sciences

Start Date

24-3-2026 11:00 AM

End Date

24-3-2026 12:00 PM

Description

Within algebraic geometry lies the deep and mysterious theory of rational and algebraic equivalence classes of algebraic cycles. This theory is a refinement of algebraic topology that incorporates the algebraic structure of algebraic varieties. In this talk, I will survey the theory of cycles in algebraic geometry, and in its combinatorial manifestation, tropical geometry. I will begin with the classical setting of divisors on curves. I will then demonstrate how this theory generalizes to higher (co)dimensions with a particular focus on two fundamental examples:  the Ceresa and modified diagonal cycles. These are closely related canonical 1-dimensional cycles associated with an algebraic curve that capture phenomena invisible to homology and play a central role in the deeper algebraic theory of curves. Finally, I will describe my collaborative work on the combinatorial version.

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Mar 24th, 11:00 AM Mar 24th, 12:00 PM

Cycles in Algebraic and Tropical Geometry

Math Conference Room: College of Arts and Sciences

Within algebraic geometry lies the deep and mysterious theory of rational and algebraic equivalence classes of algebraic cycles. This theory is a refinement of algebraic topology that incorporates the algebraic structure of algebraic varieties. In this talk, I will survey the theory of cycles in algebraic geometry, and in its combinatorial manifestation, tropical geometry. I will begin with the classical setting of divisors on curves. I will then demonstrate how this theory generalizes to higher (co)dimensions with a particular focus on two fundamental examples:  the Ceresa and modified diagonal cycles. These are closely related canonical 1-dimensional cycles associated with an algebraic curve that capture phenomena invisible to homology and play a central role in the deeper algebraic theory of curves. Finally, I will describe my collaborative work on the combinatorial version.