Ergodic Theory, Groups, and Geometry: Nsf-cbms Regional Research Conferences in the Mathematical Sciences June 22-26, 1998 University of Minnesota (CBMS Regional Conference Series in Mathematics, 109)

The study of group actions on manifolds is the meeting ground of a variety of mathematical areas. In particular, interesting geometric insights can be obtained by applying measure-theoretic techniques. This book provides an introduction to some of the important methods, major developments, and open problems on the subject. It is slightly expanded from lectures given by Zimmer at the CBMS conference at the University of Minnesota. The main text presents a perspective on the field as it was at that time. Comments at the end of each chapter provide selected suggestions for further reading, including references to recent developments. The study of group actions on manifolds is the meeting ground of a variety of mathematical areas. In particular, interesting geometric insights can be obtained by applying measure theoretic techniques. The lecture notes collected here provide an introduction to some of the important methods, major developments, and open problems in the subject. They are slightly expanded from lectures given by the author at a 1998 CBMS Conference held at the University of Minnesota. The main text presents a perspective on the field as it was 10 years ago; comments after the notes of each lecture provide suggestions for further reading, including references to recent developments. Some topics examined are superrigidity and first applications, locally homogeneous spaces, and orbit equivalence. An appendix of background material is included. Annotation 2009 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com) "The study of group actions on manifolds is the meeting ground of a variety of mathematical areas. In particular, interesting geometric insights can be obtained by applying measure-theoretic techniques. This book provides an introduction to some of the important methods, major developments, and open problems in the subject. It is slightly expanded from lectures given by Zimmer at the CBMS conference at the University of Minnesota. The main text presents a perspective on the field as it was at that time. Comments at the end of each chapter provide selected suggestions for further reading, including references to recent developments."--BOOK JACKET