Relative cohomology theory for profinite groups

Abstract

In this paper we define and develop the theory of the cohomology of a profinite group relative to a collection of closed subgroups. Having made the relevant definitions we establish a robust theory of cup products and use this theory to define profinite Poincar\'e duality pairs. We use the theory of groups acting on profinite trees to give Mayer-Vietoris sequences, and apply this to give results concerning decompositions of 3-manifold groups. Finally we discuss the relationship between discrete duality pairs and profinite duality pairs, culminating in the result that profinite completion of the fundamental group of a compact aspherical 3-manifold is a profinite Poincar\'e duality group relative to the profinite completions of the fundamental groups of its boundary components.