The asymptotic cone of the mapping class group

Yair Minsky, Yale University

I will discuss work with Behrstock, and report on work in progress
with Behrstock-Kleiner-Mosher, on the structure of the mapping class
group as viewed from infinity; i.e. of its asymptotic cone. Using
properties of curve complexes one can describe a "tree-graded"
structure for the cone, compute its topological dimension, and study
embedded flats. This leads to a proof of quasi-isometric rigidity for
the group. Some of this work duplicates results of U. Hamenstadt.