arXiv2017
We show that the metric structure of morphisms $f\colon Y\to X$ between quasi-smooth compact Berkovich curves over an algebraically closed field admits a finite combinatorial description. In particular, for a large enough skeleton $Γ=(Γ_Y,Γ_X)$ of $f$, the sets $N_{f,\ge n}$ of points of $Y$ of multiplicity at least $n$ in the fiber are radial around $Γ_Y$ with the radius changing piecewise monomially along $Γ_Y$. In this case, for any interval $l=[z,y]\subset Y$ connecting a rigid point $z$ to the skeleton, the restriction $f|_l$ gives rise to a $profile$ piecewise monomial function $φ_y\colon [0,1]\to[0,1]$ that depends only on the type 2 point $y\inΓ_Y$. In particular, the metric structure of $f$ is determined by $Γ$ and the family of the profile functions $\{φ_y\}$ with $y\inΓ_Y^{(2)}$. We prove that this family is piecewise monomial in $y$ and naturally extends to the whole $Y^{\mathrm{hyp}}$. In addition, we extend the theory of higher ramification groups to arbitrary real-valued fields and show that $φ_y$ coincides with the Herbrand's function of $\mathcal{H}(y)/\mathcal{H}(f(y))$. This gives a curious geometric interpretation of the Herbrand's function, which applies also to non-normal and even inseparable extensions.