Algebraic Geometry Seminar
Sebastian Casalaina-Martin
University of Colorado
The moduli space of cubic threefolds via degenerations of the intermediate Jacobian
Abstract: A well known result of Clemens and Griffiths says that a smooth cubic
threefold can be recovered from its intermediate Jacobian. In this talk I will discuss
the possible degenerations of these abelian varieties, and thus give a description of
the compactification of the moduli space of cubic threefolds obtained in this way. The
relation between this compactification and those constructed in the work of
Allcock-Carlson-Toledo and Looijenga-Swierstra will also be considered, and is similar
in spirit to the relation between the various compactifications of the moduli spaces
of low genus curves. This is joint work with Radu Laza.
Friday October 10, 2008 at 4:00 PM in SEO 636