Riemannian Surfaces with Simple Singularities

Abstract

In this note we discuss the geometry of Riemannian surfaces having a discrete set of singular points. We assume the conformal structure extends through the singularities and the curvature is integrable. Such points are called \emph{simple singularities}. We first describe them locally and then globally using the notion of (real) divisor. We formulate a Gauss-Bonnet formula and relate it to some asymptotic isoperimetric ratio. We prove a classifications theorem for flat metrics with simple singularities on a compact surface and discuss the Berger--Nirenberg Problem on surfaces with a divisor. We finally discuss the relation with spherical polyhedra.