Specialization of zero cycles (Q1769587)

Let \(X\) be a proper scheme over a field \(k\). Let \(\text{CH}_0(X)\) denote the Chow group of the rational equivalence classes of zero cycles on \(X\). On the other hand, there is another equivalence relation closely related to it. Two points \(x_1,x_2\in X(k)\) are called directly \(R\)-equivalent if there is a morphism \(p:\mathbb{P}^1\to X\) such that \(p(0,1)= x_1\), \(p(1,0)= x_2\). This generates an equivalence relation called \(R\)-equivalence. Let \(X(k)/R\) denote the set of \(R\)-equivalence classes of \(X(k)\). The main result in this paper says that the specialization maps on both sets of equivalence classes are isomorphisms. More precisely, let \(S\) be a local, Henselian, Dedekind ring with residue field \(k\) and quotient field \(K\). Let \(X_S\to\text{Spec\,}S\) be a smooth proper morphism. Assume that \(X_k\) is separably rationally connected. Then the specialization maps \(X_K(K)/R\to X_k(k)/R\) and \(\text{CH}_0(X_K)\to\text{CH}_0(X_k)\) are isomorphisms, for the latter of which \(k\) is assumed to be perfect. A key ingredient of the proof is a construction of good combs and their deformation theory based on the results in [\textit{T. Graber}, \textit{J. Harris} and \textit{J. Starr}, J. Am. Math. Soc. 16, No. 1, 57--67 (2003; Zbl 1092.14063)]. Here a comb over a geometrically reduced projective curve C is defined to be a reduced projective curve \(C\cup A_1\cup\cdots\cup A_n\) where \(A_1,\dots, A_n\) are smooth rational curves, disjoint from each other and intersect \(C\) transversally in \(n\) distinct smooth points.