Arithmetic properties of degree two covers of smooth curves
Let φ:X→Y be a degree two Galois cover of smooth curves over a local field F of odd characteristic. Assuming that Y has good reduction, we describe a semi-stability criterion for the curve X, using the data of the branch locus of the covering φ. In the case that X has semi-stable reduction, we describe the dual graph of the minimal regular model of X over F. We do this by adopting the notion of cluster picture defined for hyperelliptic curves to the case where Y is not necessarily a rational curve. Using these results, we describe the variation of the p-adic volume of Hitchin fibers over the moduli space of rank 2 twisted Higgs bundles.