Dynamics and the Godbillon–Vey class of $C^1$ foliations

Abstract

Let $\mathcal{F}$ be a codimension-one, $C^2$-foliation on a manifold $M$ without boundary. In this work we show that if the Godbillon–Vey class $GV(\mathcal{F}) \in H^3(M)$ is non-zero, then $\mathcal{F}$ has a hyperbolic resilient leaf. Our approach is based on methods of $C^1$-dynamical systems, and does not use the classification theory of $C^2$-foliations. We first prove that for a codimension-one $C^1$-foliation with non-trivial Godbillon measure, the set of infinitesimally expanding points $E(\mathcal{F})$ has positive Lebesgue measure. We then prove that if $E(\mathcal{F})$ has positive measure for a $C^1$-foliation, then $\mathcal{F}$ must have a hyperbolic resilient leaf, and hence its geometric entropy must be positive. The proof of this uses a pseudogroup version of the Pliss Lemma. The first statement then follows, as a $C^2$-foliation with non-zero Godbillon–Vey class has non-trivial Godbillon measure. These results apply for both the case when $M$ is compact, and when $M$ is an open manifold.