Moduli spaces of quadratic differentials

The cotangent bundle ofJ (g, n) is a union of complex analytic subvarieties, V(π), the level sets of the function “singularity pattern” of quadratic differentials. Each V(π) is endowed with a natural affine complex structure and volume element. The latter contracts to a real analytic volume element, Μ_π, on the unit hypersurface, V₁(π), for the Teichmüller metric. Μ_π is invariant under the pure mapping class group, γ(g, n), and a certain class of functions is proved to be L^p(Μ_π), 0 <p < 1, over the moduli space V₁(π)/γ (g, n). In particular, Μ_π(V₁(π)/γ(g, n)) < ∞, a statement which generalizes a theorem by H. Masur. Research supported by NSF-MCS-8219148 and NSF-DMS-8521620.