Tropicalizing vs Compactifying the Torelli morphism

Abstract

In this paper, we compare the compactified Torelli morphism (as defined by V. Alexeev) and the tropical Torelli map (as defined by the author in a joint work with S. Brannetti and M. Melo, and furthered studied by M. Chan). Our aim is twofold: on one hand, we will review the construction and main properties of the above mentioned two Torelli maps, focusing in particular on the description of their fibers achieved by the author in joint works with L. Caporaso; on the other hand, we will clarify the relationship between the two Torelli maps via the introduction of the reduction maps and the tropicalization maps.