Loop groups and Yang-Mills theory in dimension two

Given a connection ω in a G-bundle over S², then a process called radial trivialization from the poles gives a unique clutching function, i.e., an element γ of the loop group ΩG. Up to gauge equivalence, ω is completely determined by γ and a map f:S² →g into the Lie algebra. Moreover, the Yang-Mills function of ω is the sum of the energy of γ and the square of a certain norm of f. In particular, the Yang-Mills functional has the same Morse theory as the energy functional on ΩG. There is a similar description of connections in a G-bundle over an arbitrary Riemann surface, but so far not of the Yang-Mills functional.