Inseparable local uniformization

TL;DR

This paper proves that Zariski local uniformization of algebraic varieties can always be achieved after a purely inseparable extension, advancing understanding of desingularization in positive characteristic.

Contribution

It demonstrates that local uniformization is always possible via purely inseparable alterations, addressing a longstanding open problem in positive characteristic.

Findings

Local uniformization always possible after purely inseparable extension

Addresses open problem in positive characteristic

Advances desingularization theory in algebraic geometry

Abstract

It is known since the works of Zariski in early 40ies that desingularization of varieties along valuations (called local uniformization of valuations) can be considered as the local part of the desingularization problem. It is still an open problem if local uniformization exists in positive characteristic and dimension larger than three. In this paper, we prove that Zariski local uniformization of algebraic varieties is always possible after a purely inseparable extension of the field of rational functions, i.e. any valuation can be uniformized by a purely inseparable alteration.