5
$\begingroup$

Let $X$ be a fixed curve (e.g. a Noetherian, projective scheme of dimension 1, of finite type over an algebraically closed field $k$) and let $S$ be an arbitrary parameter scheme over $k$. Let $D \subset X \times S$ be a flat family over $S$ of subschemes of $X$, of relative dimension 0 and degree $d$, with ideal sheaf $\mathcal I$.

Consider now the clolsed subscheme $D' \subset X \times S$ defined by the ideal $\mathcal I^n$. In my mind, $D' = nD$ in some geometric sense. Is $D'$ again flat over $S$?

$\endgroup$
1
  • 2
    $\begingroup$ No, that is not true. Let $X$ be $\text{Spec}\ k[x,y]/\langle xy \rangle.$ Let $S$ be $\text{Spec}\ k[\epsilon]/\langle \epsilon^2 \rangle.$ Let $I$ be $\langle x,y-\epsilon\rangle.$ Then $\mathcal{O}_{X\times S}/\mathcal{I}^2$ is a direct sum of two copies of $\mathcal{O}_S$ (generated by $1$ and $y$) plus one summand $\mathcal{O}_S/\epsilon \mathcal{O}_S$ (generated by $x$). It is not $\mathcal{O}_S$-flat. $\endgroup$ Oct 5, 2018 at 12:22

1 Answer 1

5
$\begingroup$

I am just posting my comment as an answer. No, that is not true. Let $X$ be $\text{Spec}\ k[t,u]/\langle tu\rangle $. Let $S$ be $\text{Spec}\ k[ϵ]/\langle ϵ^2 \rangle.$ Let $I$ be $\langle t,u−ϵ\rangle.$ Then $\mathcal{O}_{X×S}/I^2$ is a direct sum of two copies of $\mathcal{O}_S$ (generated by $1$ and $u$) plus one summand $\mathcal{O}_S/ϵ\mathcal{O}_S$ (generated by $t$). It is not $\mathcal{O}_S$-flat.

$\endgroup$

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.