On minimal models of elliptic threefolds (Q2639921)

We address the problem of studying birational equivalence of elliptic threefolds using minimal models. The general idea is to construct a suitable birational minimal model for elliptic fibrations so that the birational invariants of the threefold could be read off the surface. Using Mori's minimal model algorithm we build a birationally equivalent fibration, where the threefold is minimal, has at most terminal singularities, and the canonical bundle is numerically equivalent to the pullback of a divisor on the surface. We derive an expression of the Euler characteristic of X in terms of the relative dualizing sheaf and the Euler characteristic of S. The above results are then applied to the study of birational invariants of elliptic threefolds with zero Kodaira dimension.