\({\mathbb C}^{\ast}\)-equivariant degenerations of curves and normal surface singularities with \({\mathbb C}^{\ast}\)-action (Q371212)

The article treats (degeneration) families of compact complex curves (that is, pencils of curves) over the base space \({\mathbb C}\) and which admit a \({\mathbb C}^*\)-action. Their canonical construction is presented. Furthermore, several connections are realized between certain properties of such pencils of curves with \({\mathbb C}^*\)-action and the properties of normal surface singularities with \({\mathbb C}^*\)-action. The theory is supported by a large number of explicit examples. Next, the theory is extended for equivariant families of curves over the projective line \({\mathbb P}^1\). Such object induce duality properties for cyclic covers of normal surface singularities with \({\mathbb C}^*\)-action.