On the slope of the moduli space of genus 15 and 16 curves

Abstract

We revisit the work of Chang and Ran on bounding the slopes of $\overline{\mathscr{M}_{15}}$ and $\overline{\mathscr{M}_{16}}$, correct one of the formulas used at the conclusion of the argument, and recompute the lower bounds on the slopes, yielding $s(\overline{\mathscr{M}_{15}})>6.5$ but not for $\overline{\mathscr{M}_{16}}$. Our contribution only involves plugging in formulas.