Idempotent relations among arithmetic invariants attached to number fields and algebraic varieties (Q1320505)

Let \(X\) be a complete, smooth curve defined over an algebraically closed field \(K\), and let \(G\) be a finite group of automorphisms of \(X\). To each subgroup \(H \subseteq G\) consider the Galois covering \(\pi_H : X \to X/H\) and the idempotent \(\varepsilon_H = |H |^{-1} \sum_{h \in H} h \in \mathbb{Q} [G]\). Finally, let \(g_H\) be the genus of \(X/H\) and in the case \(K\) is of characteristic \(p > 0\), let \(\sigma_H\) be the Hasse-Witt invariant of \(X/H\). Generalizing earlier work of \textit{R. D. M. Accola} [Proc. Am. Math. Soc. 21, 477-482 (1969; Zbl 0174.37401) and 25, 598-602 (1970; Zbl 0212.42502)] the first author proved the following theorem [Can. Math. Bull. 28, 321-327 (1985; Zbl 0557.14017)]: If there is a relation \(\sum n_H \varepsilon_H = 0\) in \(\mathbb{Q} [G]\) then \(\sum n_H g_H = 0\). If \(K\) has characteristic \(p > 0\) then one also has \(\sum n_H \sigma_H = 0\). In general, if \(\lambda_H\) is some arithmetic invariant depending on \(H\) we say \(\lambda\) is compatible with idempotent relations if \(\sum n_H \varepsilon_H = 0\) implies \(\sum n_H \lambda_H = 0\). The purpose of this paper is to investigate such invariants, in particular, those arising in connection with zeta and \(L\)-functions. Much earlier, \textit{R. Brauer} [Math. Nachr. 4, 158-174 (1951; Zbl 0042.03801)] used relations among zeta functions to prove results about class numbers of numbers fields. Since zeta and \(L\)-functions can be attached to schemes of finite type over \(\mathbb{Z}\) one can expect theorems of the above type should hold in a great number of interesting mathematical contexts. This indeed turns out to be the case. In section 1 we discuss idempotent relations, character relations, and the corresponding relations among zeta and \(L\)-functions. -- In section 2 we discuss the result of Richard Brauer, about class numbers of number fields. As an indication of our general method, we prove a related result about the relative class numbers associated to a Galois extension of CM fields. -- In section 3 we consider varieties over finite fields and prove a number of results about Betti numbers, Euler-Poincaré characteristics, rational points, and traces of Frobenius. -- In section 4 we present some simple algebraic lemmas which enable us to prove some of the facts discovered in section 3 in the context of varieties over algebraically closed fields. -- In section 6 we discuss the behavior of the rank of the Mordell-Weil group of the Picard variety of a smooth projective variety defined over a number field, or more generally, a field finitely generated over its prime field. We develop some interesting connections with the famous conjectures of Birch and Swinnerton-Dyer, and also related conjectures of J. Tate on algebraic cycles. Finally, in section 7 we consider the general Birch--Swinnerton-Dyer--Tate conjectures relating the order of the zero of the zeta function to certain arithmetic invariants, and discuss the behavior of the ranks of Picard groups and class groups of normal varieties.