Pencils of curves on smooth surfaces (Q2766417)

Although the theory of singularities of curves -- resolution, classification, numerical invariants -- goes through with comparatively little change in finite characteristic, pencils of curves are more difficult. Bertini's theorem only holds in a much weaker form, and it is convenient to restrict to pencils such that, when all base points are resolved, the general member of the pencil becomes non-singular. Even here, the usual rule for calculating the Euler characteristic of the resolved surface has to be modified by a term measuring wild ramification. We begin by describing this background, then proceed to discuss the exceptional members of a pencil. In characteristic 0 it was shown by \textit{Hà Huy Vui} and \textit{Lê Dung Tráng} [Acta Math. Vietnam. 9, 21-32 (1984; Zbl 0597.32005)] and by \textit{Lê Dung Tráng} and \textit{C. Weber} [Enseign. Math., II. Sér. 43, 355-380 (1997; Zbl 0982.32025)], using topological reasoning, that exceptional members can be characterised by their Euler characteristics. We present a combinatorial argument giving a corresponding result in characteristic \(p\). We first treat pencils with no base points, and then reduce the remaining case to this.