Local arboreal representations

Abstract

Let $K$ be a field complete with respect to a discrete valuation $v$ of residue characteristic $p$. Let $f(z) \in K[z]$ be a separable polynomial of the form $z^\ell-c.$ Given $a \in K$, we examine the Galois groups and ramification groups of the extensions of $K$ generated by the solutions to $f^n(z)=a$. The behavior depends upon $v(c)$, and we find that it shifts dramatically as $v(c)$ crosses a certain value: $0$ in the case $p \nmid \ell$, and $-p/(p-1)$ in the case $p=\ell$.