Let Y and X denote C^k vector fields on a possibly noncompact surface with empty boundary, k >0. Say that Y tracks X if the dynamical system it generates locally permutes integral curves of X. Let K be a locally maximal compact set of zeroes of X.
THEOREM Assume the Poincare-Hopf index of X at K is nonzero, and the k-jet of X at each point of K is nontrivial. If g is a supersolvable Lie algebra of C^k vector fields that track X, then the elements of g have a common zero in K. Applications are made to attractors and transformation groups.
Let $G$ be connected nilpotent Lie group acting locally on a real surface $M$. Let $varphi$ be the local flow on $M$ induced by a $1$-parameter subgroup. Assume $K$ is a compact set of fixed points of $varphi$ and $U$ is a neighborhood of $K$ contain
ing no other fixed points. Theorem: If the Dold fixed-point index of $varphi_t|U$ is nonzero for sufficiently small $t>0$, then ${rm Fix} (G) cap K e emptyset$.
Let X be an analytic vector field on a real or complex 2-manifold, and K a compact set of zeros of X whose fixed point index is not zero. Let A denote the Lie algebra of analytic vector fields Y on M such that at every point of M the values of X and
[X,Y] are linearly dependent. Then the vector fields in A have a common zero in K. Application: Let G be a connected Lie group having a 1-dimensional normal subgroup. Then every action of G on M has a fixed point.
Certain dynamical models of competition have a unique invariant hypersurface to whichevery nonzero tractory is asymptotic, having simple geometry and topology.
