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Let $X \hookrightarrow \mathbb{P}$ be a smooth hypersurface inside some projective space $\mathbb{P}$ and let $H$ be a smooth hyperplane section of $X$. Now let $\varphi$ be an automorphism of $X$.

Why is it true that $\varphi^\ast$ acts trivially on the cohomology class of $H$?

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    $\begingroup$ There is no reason, except in the case where the embedding is canonical or anticanonical. Think for example to a cubic curve in $\mathbb P^2$ $\endgroup$
    – Jérémy Blanc
    Commented Mar 6, 2014 at 15:41
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    $\begingroup$ Consider $\mathbb{P}^1\times \mathbb{P}^1$ embedded by an "unbalanced" divisor. The involution does not act trivially on the divisor. $\endgroup$
    – Jack Huizenga
    Commented Mar 6, 2014 at 15:42
  • $\begingroup$ Sorry I forgot to say $X$ is a hypersurface $\endgroup$
    – beginigeb
    Commented Mar 6, 2014 at 15:54

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It is indeed true unless $X$ is a cubic plane curve or a quartic surface. The reason is the following: $\varphi ^*$ preserve the canonical class, which is $(d-n-1)H$ (for $X$ a smooth hypersurface of degree $d$ in $\mathbb{P}^n$). Since $H^2(X,\mathbb{Z})$ has no torsion, this implies $\varphi ^*H=H$ if $d\neq n+1$. Now if $n\geq 4$, we have $H^2(X,\mathbb{Z})=\mathbb{Z}$ by Lefschetz theorem, which implies again $\varphi ^*H=H$. The remaining cases are cubic plane curves and quartic surfaces, and indeed in those cases there are examples of $\varphi $ with $\varphi ^*H\neq H$.

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  • $\begingroup$ Thanks! Is this also true for smooth complete intersections? $\endgroup$
    – beginigeb
    Commented Mar 6, 2014 at 16:16
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    $\begingroup$ Yes, same argument. The exceptions are : curves $(2,2)$ in $\mathbb{P}^3$, surfaces $(2,3)$ in $\mathbb{P}^4$ and $(2,2,2)$ in $\mathbb{P}^5$. $\endgroup$
    – abx
    Commented Mar 6, 2014 at 16:46
  • $\begingroup$ Is there really an example among cubic plane curves? Shouldn't they all have $H^2(X,\mathbb Z)=\mathbb Z$? $\endgroup$
    – Will Sawin
    Commented Mar 22, 2014 at 22:42

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