The third homology group of the moduli space of curves (Q2276807)

Let \(M_{g,r}\) denote the moduli space parametrizing genus g Riemann surfaces together with r pairs \((p_ i,v_ i)\) where \(p_ i\) is a point in the surface and \(v_ i\) is a non-zero tangent vector to the surface at \(p_ i\). The author gives a new calculation of his well-known results concerning the second rational homology group of \(M_{g,r}\) if \(g>1\) and \(r>0\) [Invent. Math. 72, 221-239 (1983; Zbl 0533.57003)]. In addition, the author computes the third rational homology group of \(M_{g,r}\) if \(g>5\) and gives related results concerning the natural stabilization maps. The methods are to use a triangulation of Teichmüller space [the author, ibid. 84, 157-176 (1986; Zbl 0592.57009)] and to exploit the action of the mapping class group on Teichmüller space. The author sets up an inductive process in which he obtains information concerning the homology of the mapping class groups together with the homology of the stabilizers of cells in certain complexes on which the mapping class groups act.