Equigeneric and equisingular families of curves on surfaces (Q517521)

The article investigates the problem of the existence of nodal curves in families of curves with a given geometric genus on a given surface. The problem is stated with all the details in the Introduction, along with many references to known theorems where the answer is already given (either positively or negatively). The main results consist of conditions in order for the problem to have an affirmative answer. Two approaches are used to attack the problem: one is called ``parametric'' by the authors, and considers curves on a surface as image of some morphisms. The technique is then to use deformation theory on the scheme of morphisms to obtain the desired conditions (Theorem 2.5, Corollary 2.7). The other is called ``Cartesian'' by the authors, which focuses on the sheaves of ideals defining the curve and its deformations; this yields other conditions for the problem. The article starts with rigorous definitions and basic theorems that are used in the following pages. Parts 2 and 3 are used to introduce and discuss the parametric and Cartesian approach respectively. Part 4 applies the results obtained to some interesting classes of curves, namely curves on rational surfaces, on \(K3\) surfaces, Enriques surfaces and abelian surfaces. Part 5 provides many interesting examples of cases in which the problem has negative answer, each time discussing which condition among the ones found fails. References are numerous and span through many levels of specifity. Particular attention in the paper is on the explanation, through explicit examples, of the conditions and hypotheses put on each statement. Also warnings on possible mistakes are given. These attentions make the paper reader-friendly and suitable for non-expert readers, although a solid background on algebraic geometry is required.