Betti splitting from a topological point of view

A Betti splitting [Formula: see text] of a monomial ideal [Formula: see text] ensures the recovery of the graded Betti numbers of [Formula: see text] starting from those of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. In this paper, we introduce an analogous notion for simplicial complexes, using Alexander duality, proving that it is equivalent to a recursive splitting condition on links of some vertices. We provide results ensuring the existence of a Betti splitting for a simplicial complex [Formula: see text], relating it to topological properties of [Formula: see text]. Among other things, we prove that orientability for a manifold without boundary is equivalent to the admission of a Betti splitting induced by the removal of a single facet. Taking advantage of our topological approach, we provide the first example of a monomial ideal which admits Betti splittings in all characteristics but with characteristic-dependent resolution. Moreover, we introduce new numerical descriptors for simplicial complexes and topological spaces, useful to deal with questions concerning the existence of Betti splitting.