The Stacks project

32.4 Descending properties

First some basic lemmas describing the topology of a limit.

Lemma 32.4.1. Let $S = \mathop{\mathrm{lim}}\nolimits S_ i$ be the limit of a directed inverse system of schemes with affine transition morphisms (Lemma 32.2.2). Then $S_{set} = \mathop{\mathrm{lim}}\nolimits _ i S_{i, set}$ where $S_{set}$ indicates the underlying set of the scheme $S$.

Proof. Pick $i \in I$. Take $U_ i \subset S_ i$ an affine open. Denote $U_{i'} = f_{i'i}^{-1}(U_ i)$ and $U = f_ i^{-1}(U_ i)$. Here $f_{i'i} : S_{i'} \to S_ i$ is the transition morphism and $f_ i : S \to S_ i$ is the projection. By Lemma 32.2.2 we have $U = \mathop{\mathrm{lim}}\nolimits _{i' \geq i} U_ i$. Suppose we can show that $U_{set} = \mathop{\mathrm{lim}}\nolimits _{i' \geq i} U_{i', set}$. Then the lemma follows by a simple argument using an affine covering of $S_ i$. Hence we may assume all $S_ i$ and $S$ affine. This reduces us to the algebra question considered in the next paragraph.

Suppose given a system of rings $(A_ i, \varphi _{ii'})$ over $I$. Set $A = \mathop{\mathrm{colim}}\nolimits _ i A_ i$ with canonical maps $\varphi _ i : A_ i \to A$. Then

\[ \mathop{\mathrm{Spec}}(A) = \mathop{\mathrm{lim}}\nolimits _ i \mathop{\mathrm{Spec}}(A_ i) \]

Namely, suppose that we are given primes $\mathfrak p_ i \subset A_ i$ such that $\mathfrak p_ i = \varphi _{ii'}^{-1}(\mathfrak p_{i'})$ for all $i' \geq i$. Then we simply set

\[ \mathfrak p = \{ x \in A \mid \exists i, x_ i \in \mathfrak p_ i \text{ with }\varphi _ i(x_ i) = x\} \]

It is clear that this is an ideal and has the property that $\varphi _ i^{-1}(\mathfrak p) = \mathfrak p_ i$. Then it follows easily that it is a prime ideal as well. $\square$

reference

Lemma 32.4.2. Let $S = \mathop{\mathrm{lim}}\nolimits S_ i$ be the limit of a directed inverse system of schemes with affine transition morphisms (Lemma 32.2.2). Then $S_{top} = \mathop{\mathrm{lim}}\nolimits _ i S_{i, top}$ where $S_{top}$ indicates the underlying topological space of the scheme $S$.

Proof. We will use the criterion of Topology, Lemma 5.14.3. We have seen that $S_{set} = \mathop{\mathrm{lim}}\nolimits _ i S_{i, set}$ in Lemma 32.4.1. The maps $f_ i : S \to S_ i$ are morphisms of schemes hence continuous. Thus $f_ i^{-1}(U_ i)$ is open for each open $U_ i \subset S_ i$. Finally, let $s \in S$ and let $s \in V \subset S$ be an open neighbourhood. Choose $0 \in I$ and choose an affine open neighbourhood $U_0 \subset S_0$ of the image of $s$. Then $f_0^{-1}(U_0) = \mathop{\mathrm{lim}}\nolimits _{i \geq 0} f_{i0}^{-1}(U_0)$, see Lemma 32.2.2. Then $f_0^{-1}(U_0)$ and $f_{i0}^{-1}(U_0)$ are affine and

\[ \mathcal{O}_ S(f_0^{-1}(U_0)) = \mathop{\mathrm{colim}}\nolimits _{i \geq 0} \mathcal{O}_{S_ i}(f_{i0}^{-1}(U_0)) \]

either by the proof of Lemma 32.2.2 or by Lemma 32.2.1. Choose $a \in \mathcal{O}_ S(f_0^{-1}(U_0))$ such that $s \in D(a) \subset V$. This is possible because the principal opens form a basis for the topology on the affine scheme $f_0^{-1}(U_0)$. Then we can pick an $i \geq 0$ and $a_ i \in \mathcal{O}_{S_ i}(f_{i0}^{-1}(U_0))$ mapping to $a$. It follows that $D(a_ i) \subset f_{i0}^{-1}(U_0) \subset S_ i$ is an open subset whose inverse image in $S$ is $D(a)$. This finishes the proof. $\square$

Lemma 32.4.3. Let $S = \mathop{\mathrm{lim}}\nolimits S_ i$ be the limit of a directed inverse system of schemes with affine transition morphisms (Lemma 32.2.2). If all the schemes $S_ i$ are nonempty and quasi-compact, then the limit $S = \mathop{\mathrm{lim}}\nolimits _ i S_ i$ is nonempty.

Proof. Choose $0 \in I$. Note that $I$ is nonempty as the limit is directed. Choose an affine open covering $S_0 = \bigcup _{j = 1, \ldots , m} U_ j$. Since $I$ is directed there exists a $j \in \{ 1, \ldots , m\} $ such that $f_{i0}^{-1}(U_ j) \not= \emptyset $ for all $i \geq 0$. Hence $\mathop{\mathrm{lim}}\nolimits _{i \geq 0} f_{i0}^{-1}(U_ j)$ is not empty since a directed colimit of nonzero rings is nonzero (because $1 \not= 0$). As $\mathop{\mathrm{lim}}\nolimits _{i \geq 0} f_{i0}^{-1}(U_ j)$ is an open subscheme of the limit we win. $\square$

Lemma 32.4.4. Let $S = \mathop{\mathrm{lim}}\nolimits S_ i$ be the limit of a directed inverse system of schemes with affine transition morphisms (Lemma 32.2.2). Let $s \in S$ with images $s_ i \in S_ i$. Then

  1. $s = \mathop{\mathrm{lim}}\nolimits s_ i$ as schemes, i.e., $\kappa (s) = \mathop{\mathrm{colim}}\nolimits \kappa (s_ i)$,

  2. $\overline{\{ s\} } = \mathop{\mathrm{lim}}\nolimits \overline{\{ s_ i\} }$ as sets, and

  3. $\overline{\{ s\} } = \mathop{\mathrm{lim}}\nolimits \overline{\{ s_ i\} }$ as schemes where $\overline{\{ s\} }$ and $\overline{\{ s_ i\} }$ are endowed with the reduced induced scheme structure.

Proof. Choose $0 \in I$ and an affine open covering $S_0 = \bigcup _{j \in J} U_{0, j}$. For $i \geq 0$ let $U_{i, j} = f_{i, 0}^{-1}(U_{0, j})$ and set $U_ j = f_0^{-1}(U_{0, j})$. Here $f_{i'i} : S_{i'} \to S_ i$ is the transition morphism and $f_ i : S \to S_ i$ is the projection. For $j \in J$ the following are equivalent: (a) $s \in U_ j$, (b) $s_0 \in U_{0, j}$, (c) $s_ i \in U_{i, j}$ for all $i \geq 0$. Let $J' \subset J$ be the set of indices for which (a), (b), (c) are true. Then $\overline{\{ s\} } = \bigcup _{j \in J'} (\overline{\{ s\} } \cap U_ j)$ and similarly for $\overline{\{ s_ i\} }$ for $i \geq 0$. Note that $\overline{\{ s\} } \cap U_ j$ is the closure of the set $\{ s\} $ in the topological space $U_ j$. Similarly for $\overline{\{ s_ i\} } \cap U_{i, j}$ for $i \geq 0$. Hence it suffices to prove the lemma in the case $S$ and $S_ i$ affine for all $i$. This reduces us to the algebra question considered in the next paragraph.

Suppose given a system of rings $(A_ i, \varphi _{ii'})$ over $I$. Set $A = \mathop{\mathrm{colim}}\nolimits _ i A_ i$ with canonical maps $\varphi _ i : A_ i \to A$. Let $\mathfrak p \subset A$ be a prime and set $\mathfrak p_ i = \varphi _ i^{-1}(\mathfrak p)$. Then

\[ V(\mathfrak p) = \mathop{\mathrm{lim}}\nolimits _ i V(\mathfrak p_ i) \]

This follows from Lemma 32.4.1 because $A/\mathfrak p = \mathop{\mathrm{colim}}\nolimits A_ i/\mathfrak p_ i$. This equality of rings also shows the final statement about reduced induced scheme structures holds true. The equality $\kappa (\mathfrak p) = \mathop{\mathrm{colim}}\nolimits \kappa (\mathfrak p_ i)$ follows from the statement as well. $\square$

In the rest of this section we work in the following situation.

Situation 32.4.5. Let $S = \mathop{\mathrm{lim}}\nolimits _{i \in I} S_ i$ be the limit of a directed system of schemes with affine transition morphisms $f_{i'i} : S_{i'} \to S_ i$ (Lemma 32.2.2). We assume that $S_ i$ is quasi-compact and quasi-separated for all $i \in I$. We denote $f_ i : S \to S_ i$ the projection. We also choose an element $0 \in I$.

In this situation the morphism $S \to S_0$ is affine. It follows that $S$ is quasi-compact and quasi-separated1. The type of result we are looking for is the following: If we have an object over $S$, then for some $i$ there is a similar object over $S_ i$.

Lemma 32.4.6. In Situation 32.4.5.

  1. We have $S_{set} = \mathop{\mathrm{lim}}\nolimits _ i S_{i, set}$ where $S_{set}$ indicates the underlying set of the scheme $S$.

  2. We have $S_{top} = \mathop{\mathrm{lim}}\nolimits _ i S_{i, top}$ where $S_{top}$ indicates the underlying topological space of the scheme $S$.

  3. If $s, s' \in S$ and $s'$ is not a specialization of $s$ then for some $i \in I$ the image $s'_ i \in S_ i$ of $s'$ is not a specialization of the image $s_ i \in S_ i$ of $s$.

  4. Add more easy facts on topology of $S$ here. (Requirement: whatever is added should be easy in the affine case.)

Proof. Part (1) is a special case of Lemma 32.4.1.

Part (2) is a special case of Lemma 32.4.2.

Part (3) is a special case of Lemma 32.4.4. $\square$

Lemma 32.4.7. In Situation 32.4.5. Suppose that $\mathcal{F}_0$ is a quasi-coherent sheaf on $S_0$. Set $\mathcal{F}_ i = f_{i0}^*\mathcal{F}_0$ for $i \geq 0$ and set $\mathcal{F} = f_0^*\mathcal{F}_0$. Then

\[ \Gamma (S, \mathcal{F}) = \mathop{\mathrm{colim}}\nolimits _{i \geq 0} \Gamma (S_ i, \mathcal{F}_ i) \]

Proof. Write $\mathcal{A}_ j = f_{i0, *} \mathcal{O}_{S_ i}$. This is a quasi-coherent sheaf of $\mathcal{O}_{S_0}$-algebras (see Morphisms, Lemma 29.11.5) and $S_ i$ is the relative spectrum of $\mathcal{A}_ i$ over $S_0$. In the proof of Lemma 32.2.2 we constructed $S$ as the relative spectrum of $\mathcal{A} = \mathop{\mathrm{colim}}\nolimits _{i \geq 0} \mathcal{A}_ i$ over $S_0$. Set

\[ \mathcal{M}_ i = \mathcal{F}_0 \otimes _{\mathcal{O}_{S_0}} \mathcal{A}_ i \]

and

\[ \mathcal{M} = \mathcal{F}_0 \otimes _{\mathcal{O}_{S_0}} \mathcal{A}. \]

Then we have $f_{i0, *} \mathcal{F}_ i = \mathcal{M}_ i$ and $f_{0, *}\mathcal{F} = \mathcal{M}$. Since $\mathcal{A}$ is the colimit of the sheaves $\mathcal{A}_ i$ and since tensor product commutes with directed colimits, we conclude that $\mathcal{M} = \mathop{\mathrm{colim}}\nolimits _{i \geq 0} \mathcal{M}_ i$. Since $S_0$ is quasi-compact and quasi-separated we see that

\begin{eqnarray*} \Gamma (S, \mathcal{F}) & = & \Gamma (S_0, \mathcal{M}) \\ & = & \Gamma (S_0, \mathop{\mathrm{colim}}\nolimits _{i \geq 0} \mathcal{M}_ i) \\ & = & \mathop{\mathrm{colim}}\nolimits _{i \geq 0} \Gamma (S_0, \mathcal{M}_ i) \\ & = & \mathop{\mathrm{colim}}\nolimits _{i \geq 0} \Gamma (S_ i, \mathcal{F}_ i) \end{eqnarray*}

see Sheaves, Lemma 6.29.1 and Topology, Lemma 5.27.1 for the middle equality. $\square$

Lemma 32.4.8. In Situation 32.4.5. Suppose for each $i$ we are given a nonempty closed subset $Z_ i \subset S_ i$ with $f_{i'i}(Z_{i'}) \subset Z_ i$ for all $i' \geq i$. Then there exists a point $s \in S$ with $f_ i(s) \in Z_ i$ for all $i$.

Proof. Let $Z_ i \subset S_ i$ also denote the reduced closed subscheme associated to $Z_ i$, see Schemes, Definition 26.12.5. A closed immersion is affine, and a composition of affine morphisms is affine (see Morphisms, Lemmas 29.11.9 and 29.11.7), and hence $Z_{i'} \to S_ i$ is affine when $i' \geq i$. We conclude that the morphism $f_{i'i} : Z_{i'} \to Z_ i$ is affine by Morphisms, Lemma 29.11.11. Each of the schemes $Z_ i$ is quasi-compact as a closed subscheme of a quasi-compact scheme. Hence we may apply Lemma 32.4.3 to see that $Z = \mathop{\mathrm{lim}}\nolimits _ i Z_ i$ is nonempty. Since there is a canonical morphism $Z \to S$ we win. $\square$

Lemma 32.4.9. In Situation 32.4.5. Suppose we are given an $i$ and a morphism $T \to S_ i$ such that

  1. $T \times _{S_ i} S = \emptyset $, and

  2. $T$ is quasi-compact.

Then $T \times _{S_ i} S_{i'} = \emptyset $ for all sufficiently large $i'$.

Proof. By Lemma 32.2.3 we see that $T \times _{S_ i} S = \mathop{\mathrm{lim}}\nolimits _{i' \geq i} T \times _{S_ i} S_{i'}$. Hence the result follows from Lemma 32.4.3. $\square$

Lemma 32.4.10. In Situation 32.4.5. Suppose we are given an $i$ and a locally constructible subset $E \subset S_ i$ such that $f_ i(S) \subset E$. Then $f_{i'i}(S_{i'}) \subset E$ for all sufficiently large $i'$.

Proof. Writing $S_ i$ as a finite union of open affine subschemes reduces the question to the case that $S_ i$ is affine and $E$ is constructible, see Lemma 32.2.2 and Properties, Lemma 28.2.1. In this case the complement $S_ i \setminus E$ is constructible too. Hence there exists an affine scheme $T$ and a morphism $T \to S_ i$ whose image is $S_ i \setminus E$, see Algebra, Lemma 10.29.4. By Lemma 32.4.9 we see that $T \times _{S_ i} S_{i'}$ is empty for all sufficiently large $i'$, and hence $f_{i'i}(S_{i'}) \subset E$ for all sufficiently large $i'$. $\square$

Lemma 32.4.11. In Situation 32.4.5 we have the following:

  1. Given any quasi-compact open $V \subset S = \mathop{\mathrm{lim}}\nolimits _ i S_ i$ there exists an $i \in I$ and a quasi-compact open $V_ i \subset S_ i$ such that $f_ i^{-1}(V_ i) = V$.

  2. Given $V_ i \subset S_ i$ and $V_{i'} \subset S_{i'}$ quasi-compact opens such that $f_ i^{-1}(V_ i) = f_{i'}^{-1}(V_{i'})$ there exists an index $i'' \geq i, i'$ such that $f_{i''i}^{-1}(V_ i) = f_{i''i'}^{-1}(V_{i'})$.

  3. If $V_{1, i}, \ldots , V_{n, i} \subset S_ i$ are quasi-compact opens and $S = f_ i^{-1}(V_{1, i}) \cup \ldots \cup f_ i^{-1}(V_{n, i})$ then $S_{i'} = f_{i'i}^{-1}(V_{1, i}) \cup \ldots \cup f_{i'i}^{-1}(V_{n, i})$ for some $i' \geq i$.

Proof. Choose $i_0 \in I$. Note that $I$ is nonempty as the limit is directed. For convenience we write $S_0 = S_{i_0}$ and $i_0 = 0$. Choose an affine open covering $S_0 = U_{1, 0} \cup \ldots \cup U_{m, 0}$. Denote $U_{j, i} \subset S_ i$ the inverse image of $U_{j, 0}$ under the transition morphism for $i \geq 0$. Denote $U_ j$ the inverse image of $U_{j, 0}$ in $S$. Note that $U_ j = \mathop{\mathrm{lim}}\nolimits _ i U_{j, i}$ is a limit of affine schemes.

We first prove the uniqueness statement: Let $V_ i \subset S_ i$ and $V_{i'} \subset S_{i'}$ quasi-compact opens such that $f_ i^{-1}(V_ i) = f_{i'}^{-1}(V_{i'})$. It suffices to show that $f_{i''i}^{-1}(V_ i \cap U_{j, i''})$ and $f_{i''i'}^{-1}(V_{i'} \cap U_{j, i''})$ become equal for $i''$ large enough. Hence we reduce to the case of a limit of affine schemes. In this case write $S = \mathop{\mathrm{Spec}}(R)$ and $S_ i = \mathop{\mathrm{Spec}}(R_ i)$ for all $i \in I$. We may write $V_ i = S_ i \setminus V(h_1, \ldots , h_ m)$ and $V_{i'} = S_{i'} \setminus V(g_1, \ldots , g_ n)$. The assumption means that the ideals $\sum g_ jR$ and $\sum h_ jR$ have the same radical in $R$. This means that $g_ j^ N = \sum a_{jj'}h_{j'}$ and $h_ j^ N = \sum b_{jj'} g_{j'}$ for some $N \gg 0$ and $a_{jj'}$ and $b_{jj'}$ in $R$. Since $R = \mathop{\mathrm{colim}}\nolimits _ i R_ i$ we can chose an index $i'' \geq i$ such that the equations $g_ j^ N = \sum a_{jj'}h_{j'}$ and $h_ j^ N = \sum b_{jj'} g_{j'}$ hold in $R_{i''}$ for some $a_{jj'}$ and $b_{jj'}$ in $R_{i''}$. This implies that the ideals $\sum g_ jR_{i''}$ and $\sum h_ jR_{i''}$ have the same radical in $R_{i''}$ as desired.

We prove existence: If $S_0$ is affine, then $S_ i = \mathop{\mathrm{Spec}}(R_ i)$ for all $i \geq 0$ and $S = \mathop{\mathrm{Spec}}(R)$ with $R = \mathop{\mathrm{colim}}\nolimits R_ i$. Then $V = S \setminus V(g_1, \ldots , g_ n)$ for some $g_1, \ldots , g_ n \in R$. Choose any $i$ large enough so that each of the $g_ j$ comes from an element $g_{j, i} \in R_ i$ and take $V_ i = S_ i \setminus V(g_{1, i}, \ldots , g_{n, i})$. If $S_0$ is general, then the opens $V \cap U_ j$ are quasi-compact because $S$ is quasi-separated. Hence by the affine case we see that for each $j = 1, \ldots , m$ there exists an $i_ j \in I$ and a quasi-compact open $V_{i_ j} \subset U_{j, i_ j}$ whose inverse image in $U_ j$ is $V \cap U_ j$. Set $i = \max (i_1, \ldots , i_ m)$ and let $V_ i = \bigcup f_{ii_ j}^{-1}(V_{i_ j})$.

The statement on coverings follows from the uniqueness statement for the opens $V_{1, i} \cup \ldots \cup V_{n, i}$ and $S_ i$ of $S_ i$. $\square$

Lemma 32.4.12. In Situation 32.4.5 if $S$ is quasi-affine, then for some $i_0 \in I$ the schemes $S_ i$ for $i \geq i_0$ are quasi-affine.

Proof. Choose $i_0 \in I$. Note that $I$ is nonempty as the limit is directed. For convenience we write $S_0 = S_{i_0}$ and $i_0 = 0$. Let $s \in S$. We may choose an affine open $U_0 \subset S_0$ containing $f_0(s)$. Since $S$ is quasi-affine we may choose an element $a \in \Gamma (S, \mathcal{O}_ S)$ such that $s \in D(a) \subset f_0^{-1}(U_0)$, and such that $D(a)$ is affine. By Lemma 32.4.7 there exists an $i \geq 0$ such that $a$ comes from an element $a_ i \in \Gamma (S_ i, \mathcal{O}_{S_ i})$. For any index $j \geq i$ we denote $a_ j$ the image of $a_ i$ in the global sections of the structure sheaf of $S_ j$. Consider the opens $D(a_ j) \subset S_ j$ and $U_ j = f_{j0}^{-1}(U_0)$. Note that $U_ j$ is affine and $D(a_ j)$ is a quasi-compact open of $S_ j$, see Properties, Lemma 28.26.4 for example. Hence we may apply Lemma 32.4.11 to the opens $U_ j$ and $U_ j \cup D(a_ j)$ to conclude that $D(a_ j) \subset U_ j$ for some $j \geq i$. For such an index $j$ we see that $D(a_ j) \subset S_ j$ is an affine open (because $D(a_ j)$ is a standard affine open of the affine open $U_ j$) containing the image $f_ j(s)$.

We conclude that for every $s \in S$ there exist an index $i \in I$, and a global section $a \in \Gamma (S_ i, \mathcal{O}_{S_ i})$ such that $D(a) \subset S_ i$ is an affine open containing $f_ i(s)$. Because $S$ is quasi-compact we may choose a single index $i \in I$ and global sections $a_1, \ldots , a_ m \in \Gamma (S_ i, \mathcal{O}_{S_ i})$ such that each $D(a_ j) \subset S_ i$ is affine open and such that $f_ i : S \to S_ i$ has image contained in the union $W_ i = \bigcup _{j = 1, \ldots , m} D(a_ j)$. For $i' \geq i$ set $W_{i'} = f_{i'i}^{-1}(W_ i)$. Since $f_ i^{-1}(W_ i)$ is all of $S$ we see (by Lemma 32.4.11 again) that for a suitable $i' \geq i$ we have $S_{i'} = W_{i'}$. Thus we may replace $i$ by $i'$ and assume that $S_ i = \bigcup _{j = 1, \ldots , m} D(a_ j)$. This implies that $\mathcal{O}_{S_ i}$ is an ample invertible sheaf on $S_ i$ (see Properties, Definition 28.26.1) and hence that $S_ i$ is quasi-affine, see Properties, Lemma 28.27.1. Hence we win. $\square$

Lemma 32.4.13. In Situation 32.4.5 if $S$ is affine, then for some $i_0 \in I$ the schemes $S_ i$ for $i \geq i_0$ are affine.

Proof. By Lemma 32.4.12 we may assume that $S_0$ is quasi-affine for some $0 \in I$. Set $R_0 = \Gamma (S_0, \mathcal{O}_{S_0})$. Then $S_0$ is a quasi-compact open of $T_0 = \mathop{\mathrm{Spec}}(R_0)$. Denote $j_0 : S_0 \to T_0$ the corresponding quasi-compact open immersion. For $i \geq 0$ set $\mathcal{A}_ i = f_{i0, *}\mathcal{O}_{S_ i}$. Since $f_{i0}$ is affine we see that $S_ i = \underline{\mathop{\mathrm{Spec}}}_{S_0}(\mathcal{A}_ i)$. Set $T_ i = \underline{\mathop{\mathrm{Spec}}}_{T_0}(j_{0, *}\mathcal{A}_ i)$. Then $T_ i \to T_0$ is affine, hence $T_ i$ is affine. Thus $T_ i$ is the spectrum of

\[ R_ i = \Gamma (T_0, j_{0, *}\mathcal{A}_ i) = \Gamma (S_0, \mathcal{A}_ i) = \Gamma (S_ i, \mathcal{O}_{S_ i}). \]

Write $S = \mathop{\mathrm{Spec}}(R)$. We have $R = \mathop{\mathrm{colim}}\nolimits _ i R_ i$ by Lemma 32.4.7. Hence also $S = \mathop{\mathrm{lim}}\nolimits _ i T_ i$. As formation of the relative spectrum commutes with base change, the inverse image of the open $S_0 \subset T_0$ in $T_ i$ is $S_ i$. Let $Z_0 = T_0 \setminus S_0$ and let $Z_ i \subset T_ i$ be the inverse image of $Z_0$. As $S_ i = T_ i \setminus Z_ i$, it suffices to show that $Z_ i$ is empty for some $i$. Assume $Z_ i$ is nonempty for all $i$ to get a contradiction. By Lemma 32.4.8 there exists a point $s$ of $S = \mathop{\mathrm{lim}}\nolimits T_ i$ which maps to a point of $Z_ i$ for every $i$. But $S = \mathop{\mathrm{lim}}\nolimits _ i S_ i$, and hence we arrive at a contradiction by Lemma 32.4.6. $\square$

Lemma 32.4.14. In Situation 32.4.5 if $S$ is separated, then for some $i_0 \in I$ the schemes $S_ i$ for $i \geq i_0$ are separated.

Proof. Choose a finite affine open covering $S_0 = U_{0, 1} \cup \ldots \cup U_{0, m}$. Set $U_{i, j} \subset S_ i$ and $U_ j \subset S$ equal to the inverse image of $U_{0, j}$. Note that $U_{i, j}$ and $U_ j$ are affine. As $S$ is separated the intersections $U_{j_1} \cap U_{j_2}$ are affine. Since $U_{j_1} \cap U_{j_2} = \mathop{\mathrm{lim}}\nolimits _{i \geq 0} U_{i, j_1} \cap U_{i, j_2}$ we see that $U_{i, j_1} \cap U_{i, j_2}$ is affine for large $i$ by Lemma 32.4.13. To show that $S_ i$ is separated for large $i$ it now suffices to show that

\[ \mathcal{O}_{S_ i}(U_{i, j_1}) \otimes _{\mathcal{O}_ S(S)} \mathcal{O}_{S_ i}(U_{i, j_2}) \longrightarrow \mathcal{O}_{S_ i}(U_{i, j_1} \cap U_{i, j_2}) \]

is surjective for large $i$ (Schemes, Lemma 26.21.7).

To get rid of the annoying indices, assume we have affine opens $U, V \subset S_0$ such that $U \cap V$ is affine too. Let $U_ i, V_ i \subset S_ i$, resp. $U, V \subset S$ be the inverse images. We have to show that $\mathcal{O}(U_ i) \otimes \mathcal{O}(V_ i) \to \mathcal{O}(U_ i \cap V_ i)$ is surjective for $i$ large enough and we know that $\mathcal{O}(U) \otimes \mathcal{O}(V) \to \mathcal{O}(U \cap V)$ is surjective. Note that $\mathcal{O}(U_0) \otimes \mathcal{O}(V_0) \to \mathcal{O}(U_0 \cap V_0)$ is of finite type, as the diagonal morphism $S_ i \to S_ i \times S_ i$ is an immersion (Schemes, Lemma 26.21.2) hence locally of finite type (Morphisms, Lemmas 29.15.2 and 29.15.5). Thus we can choose elements $f_{0, 1}, \ldots , f_{0, n} \in \mathcal{O}(U_0 \cap V_0)$ which generate $\mathcal{O}(U_0 \cap V_0)$ over $\mathcal{O}(U_0) \otimes \mathcal{O}(V_0)$. Observe that for $i \geq 0$ the diagram of schemes

\[ \xymatrix{ U_ i \cap V_ i \ar[r] \ar[d] & U_ i \ar[d] \\ U_0 \cap V_0 \ar[r] & U_0 } \]

is cartesian. Thus we see that the images $f_{i, 1}, \ldots , f_{i, n} \in \mathcal{O}(U_ i \cap V_ i)$ generate $\mathcal{O}(U_ i \cap V_ i)$ over $\mathcal{O}(U_ i) \otimes \mathcal{O}(V_0)$ and a fortiori over $\mathcal{O}(U_ i) \otimes \mathcal{O}(V_ i)$. By assumption the images $f_1, \ldots , f_ n \in \mathcal{O}(U \otimes V)$ are in the image of the map $\mathcal{O}(U) \otimes \mathcal{O}(V) \to \mathcal{O}(U \cap V)$. Since $\mathcal{O}(U) \otimes \mathcal{O}(V) = \mathop{\mathrm{colim}}\nolimits \mathcal{O}(U_ i) \otimes \mathcal{O}(V_ i)$ we see that they are in the image of the map at some finite level and the lemma is proved. $\square$

Lemma 32.4.15. In Situation 32.4.5 let $\mathcal{L}_0$ be an invertible sheaf of modules on $S_0$. If the pullback $\mathcal{L}$ to $S$ is ample, then for some $i \in I$ the pullback $\mathcal{L}_ i$ to $S_ i$ is ample.

Proof. The assumption means there are finitely many sections $s_1, \ldots , s_ m \in \Gamma (S, \mathcal{L})$ such that $S_{s_ j}$ is affine and such that $S = \bigcup S_{s_ j}$, see Properties, Definition 28.26.1. By Lemma 32.4.7 we can find an $i \in I$ and sections $s_{i, j} \in \Gamma (S_ i, \mathcal{L}_ i)$ mapping to $s_ j$. By Lemma 32.4.13 we may, after increasing $i$, assume that $(S_ i)_{s_{i, j}}$ is affine for $j = 1, \ldots , m$. By Lemma 32.4.11 we may, after increasing $i$ a last time, assume that $S_ i = \bigcup (S_ i)_{s_{i, j}}$. Then $\mathcal{L}_ i$ is ample by definition. $\square$

Lemma 32.4.16. Let $S$ be a scheme. Let $X = \mathop{\mathrm{lim}}\nolimits X_ i$ be a directed limit of schemes over $S$ with affine transition morphisms. Let $Y \to X$ be a morphism of schemes over $S$.

  1. If $Y \to X$ is a closed immersion, $X_ i$ quasi-compact, and $Y$ locally of finite type over $S$, then $Y \to X_ i$ is a closed immersion for $i$ large enough.

  2. If $Y \to X$ is an immersion, $X_ i$ quasi-separated, $Y \to S$ locally of finite type, and $Y$ quasi-compact, then $Y \to X_ i$ is an immersion for $i$ large enough.

  3. If $Y \to X$ is an isomorphism, $X_ i$ quasi-compact, $X_ i \to S$ locally of finite type, the transition morphisms $X_{i'} \to X_ i$ are closed immersions, and $Y \to S$ is locally of finite presentation, then $Y \to X_ i$ is an isomorphism for $i$ large enough.

Proof. Proof of (1). Choose $0 \in I$ and a finite affine open covering $X_0 = U_{0, 1} \cup \ldots \cup U_{0, m}$ with the property that $U_{0, j}$ maps into an affine open $W_ j \subset S$. Let $V_ j \subset Y$, resp. $U_{i, j} \subset X_ i$, $i \geq 0$, resp. $U_ j \subset X$ be the inverse image of $U_{0, j}$. It suffices to prove that $V_ j \to U_{i, j}$ is a closed immersion for $i$ sufficiently large and we know that $V_ j \to U_ j$ is a closed immersion. Thus we reduce to the following algebra fact: If $A = \mathop{\mathrm{colim}}\nolimits A_ i$ is a directed colimit of $R$-algebras, $A \to B$ is a surjection of $R$-algebras, and $B$ is a finitely generated $R$-algebra, then $A_ i \to B$ is surjective for $i$ sufficiently large.

Proof of (2). Choose $0 \in I$. Choose a quasi-compact open $X'_0 \subset X_0$ such that $Y \to X_0$ factors through $X'_0$. After replacing $X_ i$ by the inverse image of $X'_0$ for $i \geq 0$ we may assume all $X_ i'$ are quasi-compact and quasi-separated. Let $U \subset X$ be a quasi-compact open such that $Y \to X$ factors through a closed immersion $Y \to U$ ($U$ exists as $Y$ is quasi-compact). By Lemma 32.4.11 we may assume that $U = \mathop{\mathrm{lim}}\nolimits U_ i$ with $U_ i \subset X_ i$ quasi-compact open. By part (1) we see that $Y \to U_ i$ is a closed immersion for some $i$. Thus (2) holds.

Proof of (3). Working affine locally on $X_0$ for some $0 \in I$ as in the proof of (1) we reduce to the following algebra fact: If $A = \mathop{\mathrm{lim}}\nolimits A_ i$ is a directed colimit of $R$-algebras with surjective transition maps and $A$ of finite presentation over $A_0$, then $A = A_ i$ for some $i$. Namely, write $A = A_0/(f_1, \ldots , f_ n)$. Pick $i$ such that $f_1, \ldots , f_ n$ map to zero under the surjective map $A_0 \to A_ i$. $\square$

Lemma 32.4.17. Let $S$ be a scheme. Let $X = \mathop{\mathrm{lim}}\nolimits X_ i$ be a directed limit of schemes over $S$ with affine transition morphisms. Assume

  1. $S$ quasi-separated,

  2. $X_ i$ quasi-compact and quasi-separated,

  3. $X \to S$ separated.

Then $X_ i \to S$ is separated for all $i$ large enough.

Proof. Let $0 \in I$. Note that $I$ is nonempty as the limit is directed. As $X_0$ is quasi-compact we can find finitely many affine opens $U_1, \ldots , U_ n \subset S$ such that $X_0 \to S$ maps into $U_1 \cup \ldots \cup U_ n$. Denote $h_ i : X_ i \to S$ the structure morphism. It suffices to check that for some $i \geq 0$ the morphisms $h_ i^{-1}(U_ j) \to U_ j$ are separated for $j = 1, \ldots , n$. Since $S$ is quasi-separated the morphisms $U_ j \to S$ are quasi-compact. Hence $h_ i^{-1}(U_ j)$ is quasi-compact and quasi-separated. In this way we reduce to the case $S$ affine. In this case we have to show that $X_ i$ is separated and we know that $X$ is separated. Thus the lemma follows from Lemma 32.4.14. $\square$

Lemma 32.4.18. Let $S$ be a scheme. Let $X = \mathop{\mathrm{lim}}\nolimits X_ i$ be a directed limit of schemes over $S$ with affine transition morphisms. Assume

  1. $S$ quasi-compact and quasi-separated,

  2. $X_ i$ quasi-compact and quasi-separated,

  3. $X \to S$ affine.

Then $X_ i \to S$ is affine for $i$ large enough.

Proof. Choose a finite affine open covering $S = \bigcup _{j = 1, \ldots , n} V_ j$. Denote $f : X \to S$ and $f_ i : X_ i \to S$ the structure morphisms. For each $j$ the scheme $f^{-1}(V_ j) = \mathop{\mathrm{lim}}\nolimits _ i f_ i^{-1}(V_ j)$ is affine (as a finite morphism is affine by definition). Hence by Lemma 32.4.13 there exists an $i \in I$ such that each $f_ i^{-1}(V_ j)$ is affine. In other words, $f_ i : X_ i \to S$ is affine for $i$ large enough, see Morphisms, Lemma 29.11.3. $\square$

Lemma 32.4.19. Let $S$ be a scheme. Let $X = \mathop{\mathrm{lim}}\nolimits X_ i$ be a directed limit of schemes over $S$ with affine transition morphisms. Assume

  1. $S$ quasi-compact and quasi-separated,

  2. $X_ i$ quasi-compact and quasi-separated,

  3. the transition morphisms $X_{i'} \to X_ i$ are finite,

  4. $X_ i \to S$ locally of finite type

  5. $X \to S$ integral.

Then $X_ i \to S$ is finite for $i$ large enough.

Proof. By Lemma 32.4.18 we may assume $X_ i \to S$ is affine for all $i$. Choose a finite affine open covering $S = \bigcup _{j = 1, \ldots , n} V_ j$. Denote $f : X \to S$ and $f_ i : X_ i \to S$ the structure morphisms. It suffices to show that there exists an $i$ such that $f_ i^{-1}(V_ j)$ is finite over $V_ j$ for $j = 1, \ldots , m$ (Morphisms, Lemma 29.44.3). Namely, for $i' \geq i$ the composition $X_{i'} \to X_ i \to S$ will be finite as a composition of finite morphisms (Morphisms, Lemma 29.44.5). This reduces us to the affine case: Let $R$ be a ring and $A = \mathop{\mathrm{colim}}\nolimits A_ i$ with $R \to A$ integral and $A_ i \to A_{i'}$ finite for all $i \leq i'$. Moreover $R \to A_ i$ is of finite type for all $i$. Goal: Show that $A_ i$ is finite over $R$ for some $i$. To prove this choose an $i \in I$ and pick generators $x_1, \ldots , x_ m \in A_ i$ of $A_ i$ as an $R$-algebra. Since $A$ is integral over $R$ we can find monic polynomials $P_ j \in R[T]$ such that $P_ j(x_ j) = 0$ in $A$. Thus there exists an $i' \geq i$ such that $P_ j(x_ j) = 0$ in $A_{i'}$ for $j = 1, \ldots , m$. Then the image $A'_ i$ of $A_ i$ in $A_{i'}$ is finite over $R$ by Algebra, Lemma 10.36.5. Since $A'_ i \subset A_{i'}$ is finite too we conclude that $A_{i'}$ is finite over $R$ by Algebra, Lemma 10.7.3. $\square$

Lemma 32.4.20. Let $S$ be a scheme. Let $X = \mathop{\mathrm{lim}}\nolimits X_ i$ be a directed limit of schemes over $S$ with affine transition morphisms. Assume

  1. $S$ quasi-compact and quasi-separated,

  2. $X_ i$ quasi-compact and quasi-separated,

  3. the transition morphisms $X_{i'} \to X_ i$ are closed immersions,

  4. $X_ i \to S$ locally of finite type

  5. $X \to S$ a closed immersion.

Then $X_ i \to S$ is a closed immersion for $i$ large enough.

Proof. By Lemma 32.4.18 we may assume $X_ i \to S$ is affine for all $i$. Choose a finite affine open covering $S = \bigcup _{j = 1, \ldots , n} V_ j$. Denote $f : X \to S$ and $f_ i : X_ i \to S$ the structure morphisms. It suffices to show that there exists an $i$ such that $f_ i^{-1}(V_ j)$ is a closed subscheme of $V_ j$ for $j = 1, \ldots , m$ (Morphisms, Lemma 29.2.1). This reduces us to the affine case: Let $R$ be a ring and $A = \mathop{\mathrm{colim}}\nolimits A_ i$ with $R \to A$ surjective and $A_ i \to A_{i'}$ surjective for all $i \leq i'$. Moreover $R \to A_ i$ is of finite type for all $i$. Goal: Show that $R \to A_ i$ is surjective for some $i$. To prove this choose an $i \in I$ and pick generators $x_1, \ldots , x_ m \in A_ i$ of $A_ i$ as an $R$-algebra. Since $R \to A$ is surjective we can find $r_ j \in R$ such that $r_ j$ maps to $x_ j$ in $A$. Thus there exists an $i' \geq i$ such that $r_ j$ maps to the image of $x_ j$ in $A_{i'}$ for $j = 1, \ldots , m$. Since $A_ i \to A_{i'}$ is surjective this implies that $R \to A_{i'}$ is surjective. $\square$

Lemma 32.4.21. Let $S$ be a scheme. Let $X = \mathop{\mathrm{lim}}\nolimits X_ i$ be a directed limit of schemes over $S$ with affine transition morphisms. Assume

  1. $S$ quasi-separated,

  2. $X_ i$ quasi-compact and quasi-separated,

  3. the transition morphisms $X_{i'} \to X_ i$ are closed immersions,

  4. $X_ i \to S$ locally of finite type, and

  5. $X \to S$ an immersion.

Then $X_ i \to S$ is an immersion for $i$ large enough.

Proof. Choose an open subscheme $U \subset S$ such that $X \to S$ factors as a closed immersion $X \to U$ composed with the inclusion morphism $U \to S$. Since $X$ is quasi-compact, we may shrink $U$ and assume $U$ is quasi-compact. Denote $V_ i \subset X_ i$ the inverse image of $U$. Since $V_ i$ pulls back to $X$ we see that $V_ i = X_ i$ for all $i$ large enough by Lemma 32.4.11. Thus we may assume $X = \mathop{\mathrm{lim}}\nolimits X_ i$ in the category of schemes over $U$. Then we see that $X_ i \to U$ is a closed immersion for $i$ large enough by Lemma 32.4.20. This proves the lemma. $\square$

[1] Follows from Morphisms, Lemma 29.11.2, Topology, Definition 5.12.1, and Schemes, Lemma 26.21.12.

Comments (0)


Post a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked.

In your comment you can use Markdown and LaTeX style mathematics (enclose it like $\pi$). A preview option is available if you wish to see how it works out (just click on the eye in the toolbar).

Unfortunately JavaScript is disabled in your browser, so the comment preview function will not work.

All contributions are licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License.




In order to prevent bots from posting comments, we would like you to prove that you are human. You can do this by filling in the name of the current tag in the following input field. As a reminder, this is tag 081A. Beware of the difference between the letter 'O' and the digit '0'.