Approximating $C^{1,0}$-foliations

Abstract

We extend the Eliashberg-Thurston theorem on approximations of taut oriented $C^2$-foliations of 3-manifolds by both positive and negative contact structures to a large class of taut oriented $C^{1,0}$-foliations, where by $C^{1,0}$ foliation, we mean a foliation with continuous tangent plane field. These $C^{1,0}$-foliations can therefore be approximated by weakly symplectically fillable, universally tight, contact structures. This allows applications of $C^2$-foliation theory to contact topology and Floer theory to be generalized and extended to constructions of $C^{1,0}$-foliations.

52 pages, 5 figures. Final version with updated references, corrections and terminology