\input{preamble} % OK, start here. % \begin{document} \title{Fundamental Groups of Schemes} \maketitle \phantomsection \label{section-phantom} \tableofcontents \section{Introduction} \label{section-introduction} \noindent In this chapter we discuss Grothendieck's fundamental group of a scheme and applications. A foundational reference is \cite{SGA1}. A nice introduction is \cite{Lenstra}. Other references \cite{Murre-lectures} and \cite{Grothendieck-Murre}. \section{Schemes \'etale over a point} \label{section-schemes-etale-point} \noindent In this section we describe schemes \'etale over the spectrum of a field. Before we state the result we introduce the category of $G$-sets for a topological group $G$. \begin{definition} \label{definition-G-set-continuous} Let $G$ be a topological group. A {\it $G$-set}, sometimes called a {\it discrete $G$-set}, is a set $X$ endowed with a left action $a : G \times X \to X$ such that $a$ is continuous when $X$ is given the discrete topology and $G \times X$ the product topology. A {\it morphism of $G$-sets} $f : X \to Y$ is simply any $G$-equivariant map from $X$ to $Y$. The category of $G$-sets is denoted {\it $G\textit{-Sets}$}. \end{definition} \noindent The condition that $a : G \times X \to X$ is continuous signifies simply that the stabilizer of any $x \in X$ is open in $G$. If $G$ is an abstract group $G$ (i.e., a group but not a topological group) then this agrees with our preceding definition (see for example Sites, Example \ref{sites-example-site-on-group}) provided we endow $G$ with the discrete topology. \medskip\noindent Recall that if $L/K$ is an infinite Galois extension then the Galois group $G = \text{Gal}(L/K)$ comes endowed with a canonical topology, see Fields, Section \ref{fields-section-infinite-galois}. \begin{lemma} \label{lemma-sheaves-point} Let $K$ be a field. Let $K^{sep}$ be a separable closure of $K$. Consider the profinite group $G = \text{Gal}(K^{sep}/K)$. The functor $$ \begin{matrix} \text{schemes \'etale over }K & \longrightarrow & G\textit{-Sets} \\ X/K & \longmapsto & \Mor_{\Spec(K)}(\Spec(K^{sep}), X) \end{matrix} $$ is an equivalence of categories. \end{lemma} \begin{proof} A scheme $X$ over $K$ is \'etale over $K$ if and only if $X \cong \coprod_{i\in I} \Spec(K_i)$ with each $K_i$ a finite separable extension of $K$ (Morphisms, Lemma \ref{morphisms-lemma-etale-over-field}). The functor of the lemma associates to $X$ the $G$-set $$ \coprod\nolimits_i \Hom_K(K_i, K^{sep}) $$ with its natural left $G$-action. Each element has an open stabilizer by definition of the topology on $G$. Conversely, any $G$-set $S$ is a disjoint union of its orbits. Say $S = \coprod S_i$. Pick $s_i \in S_i$ and denote $G_i \subset G$ its open stabilizer. By Galois theory (Fields, Theorem \ref{fields-theorem-inifinite-galois-theory}) the fields $(K^{sep})^{G_i}$ are finite separable field extensions of $K$, and hence the scheme $$ \coprod\nolimits_i \Spec((K^{sep})^{G_i}) $$ is \'etale over $K$. This gives an inverse to the functor of the lemma. Some details omitted. \end{proof} \begin{remark} \label{remark-covering-surjective} Under the correspondence of Lemma \ref{lemma-sheaves-point}, the coverings in the small \'etale site $\Spec(K)_\etale$ of $K$ correspond to surjective families of maps in $G\textit{-Sets}$. \end{remark} \section{Galois categories} \label{section-galois} \noindent In this section we discuss some of the material the reader can find in \cite[Expos\'e V, Sections 4, 5, and 6]{SGA1}. \medskip\noindent Let $F : \mathcal{C} \to \textit{Sets}$ be a functor. Recall that by our conventions categories have a set of objects and for any pair of objects a set of morphisms. There is a canonical injective map \begin{equation} \label{equation-embedding-product} \text{Aut}(F) \longrightarrow \prod\nolimits_{X \in \Ob(\mathcal{C})} \text{Aut}(F(X)) \end{equation} For a set $E$ we endow $\text{Aut}(E)$ with the compact open topology, see Topology, Example \ref{topology-example-automorphisms-of-a-set}. Of course this is the discrete topology when $E$ is finite, which is the case of interest in this section\footnote{When we discuss the pro-\'etale fundamental group the general case will be of interest.}. We endow $\text{Aut}(F)$ with the topology induced from the product topology on the right hand side of (\ref{equation-embedding-product}). In particular, the action maps $$ \text{Aut}(F) \times F(X) \longrightarrow F(X) $$ are continuous when $F(X)$ is given the discrete topology because this is true for the action maps $\text{Aut}(E) \times E \to E$ for any set $E$. The universal property of our topology on $\text{Aut}(F)$ is the following: suppose that $G$ is a topological group and $G \to \text{Aut}(F)$ is a group homomorphism such that the induced actions $G \times F(X) \to F(X)$ are continuous for all $X \in \Ob(\mathcal{C})$ where $F(X)$ has the discrete topology. Then $G \to \text{Aut}(F)$ is continuous. \medskip\noindent The following lemma tells us that the group of automorphisms of a functor to the category of finite sets is automatically a profinite group. \begin{lemma} \label{lemma-aut-inverse-limit} Let $\mathcal{C}$ be a category and let $F : \mathcal{C} \to \textit{Sets}$ be a functor. The map (\ref{equation-embedding-product}) identifies $\text{Aut}(F)$ with a closed subgroup of $\prod_{X \in \Ob(\mathcal{C})} \text{Aut}(F(X))$. In particular, if $F(X)$ is finite for all $X$, then $\text{Aut}(F)$ is a profinite group. \end{lemma} \begin{proof} Let $\xi = (\gamma_X) \in \prod \text{Aut}(F(X))$ be an element not in $\text{Aut}(F)$. Then there exists a morphism $f : X \to X'$ of $\mathcal{C}$ and an element $x \in F(X)$ such that $F(f)(\gamma_X(x)) \not = \gamma_{X'}(F(f)(x))$. Consider the open neighbourhood $U = \{\gamma \in \text{Aut}(F(X)) \mid \gamma(x) = \gamma_X(x)\}$ of $\gamma_X$ and the open neighbourhood $U' = \{\gamma' \in \text{Aut}(F(X')) \mid \gamma'(F(f)(x)) = \gamma_{X'}(F(f)(x))\}$. Then $U \times U' \times \prod_{X'' \not = X, X'} \text{Aut}(F(X''))$ is an open neighbourhood of $\xi$ not meeting $\text{Aut}(F)$. The final statement follows from the fact that $\prod \text{Aut}(F(X))$ is a profinite space if each $F(X)$ is finite. \end{proof} \begin{example} \label{example-galois-category-G-sets} Let $G$ be a topological group. An important example will be the forgetful functor \begin{equation} \label{equation-forgetful} \textit{Finite-}G\textit{-Sets} \longrightarrow \textit{Sets} \end{equation} where $\textit{Finite-}G\textit{-Sets}$ is the full subcategory of $G\textit{-Sets}$ whose objects are the finite $G$-sets. The category $G\textit{-Sets}$ of $G$-sets is defined in Definition \ref{definition-G-set-continuous}. \end{example} \noindent Let $G$ be a topological group. The {\it profinite completion} of $G$ will be the profinite group $$ G^\wedge = \lim_{U \subset G\text{ open, normal, finite index}} G/U $$ with its profinite topology. Observe that the limit is cofiltered as a finite intersection of open, normal subgroups of finite index is another. The universal property of the profinite completion is that any continuous map $G \to H$ to a profinite group $H$ factors canonically as $G \to G^\wedge \to H$. \begin{lemma} \label{lemma-single-out-profinite} Let $G$ be a topological group. The automorphism group of the functor (\ref{equation-forgetful}) endowed with its profinite topology from Lemma \ref{lemma-aut-inverse-limit} is the profinite completion of $G$. \end{lemma} \begin{proof} Denote $F_G$ the functor (\ref{equation-forgetful}). Any morphism $X \to Y$ in $\textit{Finite-}G\textit{-Sets}$ commutes with the action of $G$. Thus any $g \in G$ defines an automorphism of $F_G$ and we obtain a canonical homomorphism $G \to \text{Aut}(F_G)$ of groups. Observe that any finite $G$-set $X$ is a finite disjoint union of $G$-sets of the form $G/H_i$ with canonical $G$-action where $H_i \subset G$ is an open subgroup of finite index. Then $U_i = \bigcap gH_ig^{-1}$ is open, normal, and has finite index. Moreover $U_i$ acts trivially on $G/H_i$ hence $U = \bigcap U_i$ acts trivially on $F_G(X)$. Hence the action $G \times F_G(X) \to F_G(X)$ is continuous. By the universal property of the topology on $\text{Aut}(F_G)$ the map $G \to \text{Aut}(F_G)$ is continuous. By Lemma \ref{lemma-aut-inverse-limit} and the universal property of profinite completion there is an induced continuous group homomorphism $$ G^\wedge \longrightarrow \text{Aut}(F_G) $$ Moreover, since $G/U$ acts faithfully on $G/U$ this map is injective. If the image is dense, then the map is surjective and hence a homeomorphism by Topology, Lemma \ref{topology-lemma-bijective-map}. \medskip\noindent Let $\gamma \in \text{Aut}(F_G)$ and let $X \in \Ob(\mathcal{C})$. We will show there is a $g \in G$ such that $\gamma$ and $g$ induce the same action on $F_G(X)$. This will finish the proof. As before we see that $X$ is a finite disjoint union of $G/H_i$. With $U_i$ and $U$ as above, the finite $G$-set $Y = G/U$ surjects onto $G/H_i$ for all $i$ and hence it suffices to find $g \in G$ such that $\gamma$ and $g$ induce the same action on $F_G(G/U) = G/U$. Let $e \in G$ be the neutral element and say that $\gamma(eU) = g_0U$ for some $g_0 \in G$. For any $g_1 \in G$ the morphism $$ R_{g_1} : G/U \longrightarrow G/U,\quad gU \longmapsto gg_1U $$ of $\textit{Finite-}G\textit{-Sets}$ commutes with the action of $\gamma$. Hence $$ \gamma(g_1U) = \gamma(R_{g_1}(eU)) = R_{g_1}(\gamma(eU)) = R_{g_1}(g_0U) = g_0g_1U $$ Thus we see that $g = g_0$ works. \end{proof} \noindent Recall that an exact functor is one which commutes with all finite limits and finite colimits. In particular such a functor commutes with equalizers, coequalizers, fibred products, pushouts, etc. \begin{lemma} \label{lemma-second-fundamental-functor} Let $G$ be a topological group. Let $F : \textit{Finite-}G\textit{-Sets} \to \textit{Sets}$ be an exact functor with $F(X)$ finite for all $X$. Then $F$ is isomorphic to the functor (\ref{equation-forgetful}). \end{lemma} \begin{proof} Let $X$ be a nonempty object of $\textit{Finite-}G\textit{-Sets}$. The diagram $$ \xymatrix{ X \ar[r] \ar[d] & \{*\} \ar[d] \\ \{*\} \ar[r] & \{*\} } $$ is cocartesian. Hence we conclude that $F(X)$ is nonempty. Let $U \subset G$ be an open, normal subgroup with finite index. Observe that $$ G/U \times G/U = \coprod\nolimits_{gU \in G/U} G/U $$ where the summand corresponding to $gU$ corresponds to the orbit of $(eU, gU)$ on the left hand side. Then we see that $$ F(G/U) \times F(G/U) = F(G/U \times G/U) = \coprod\nolimits_{gU \in G/U} F(G/U) $$ Hence $|F(G/U)| = |G/U|$ as $F(G/U)$ is nonempty. Thus we see that $$ \lim_{U \subset G\text{ open, normal, finite idex}} F(G/U) $$ is nonempty (Categories, Lemma \ref{categories-lemma-nonempty-limit}). Pick $\gamma = (\gamma_U)$ an element in this limit. Denote $F_G$ the functor (\ref{equation-forgetful}). We can identify $F_G$ with the functor $$ X \longmapsto \colim_U \Mor(G/U, X) $$ where $f : G/U \to X$ corresponds to $f(eU) \in X = F_G(X)$ (details omitted). Hence the element $\gamma$ determines a well defined map $$ t : F_G \longrightarrow F $$ Namely, given $x \in X$ choose $U$ and $f : G/U \to X$ sending $eU$ to $x$ and then set $t_X(x) = F(f)(\gamma_U)$. We will show that $t$ induces a bijective map $t_{G/U} : F_G(G/U) \to F(G/U)$ for any $U$. This implies in a straightforward manner that $t$ is an isomorphism (details omitted). Since $|F_G(G/U)| = |F(G/U)|$ it suffices to show that $t_{G/U}$ is surjective. The image contains at least one element, namely $t_{G/U}(eU) = F(\text{id}_{G/U})(\gamma_U) = \gamma_U$. For $g \in G$ denote $R_g : G/U \to G/U$ right multiplication. Then set of fixed points of $F(R_g) : F(G/U) \to F(G/U)$ is equal to $F(\emptyset) = \emptyset$ if $g \not \in U$ because $F$ commutes with equalizers. It follows that if $g_1, \ldots, g_{|G/U|}$ is a system of representatives for $G/U$, then the elements $F(R_{g_i})(\gamma_U)$ are pairwise distinct and hence fill out $F(G/U)$. Then $$ t_{G/U}(g_iU) = F(R_{g_i})(\gamma_U) $$ and the proof is complete. \end{proof} \begin{example} \label{example-from-C-F-to-G-sets} Let $\mathcal{C}$ be a category and let $F : \mathcal{C} \to \textit{Sets}$ be a functor such that $F(X)$ is finite for all $X \in \Ob(\mathcal{C})$. By Lemma \ref{lemma-aut-inverse-limit} we see that $G = \text{Aut}(F)$ comes endowed with the structure of a profinite topological group in a canonical manner. We obtain a functor \begin{equation} \label{equation-remember} \mathcal{C} \longrightarrow \textit{Finite-}G\textit{-Sets},\quad X \longmapsto F(X) \end{equation} where $F(X)$ is endowed with the induced action of $G$. This action is continuous by our construction of the topology on $\text{Aut}(F)$. \end{example} \noindent The purpose of defining Galois categories is to single out those pairs $(\mathcal{C}, F)$ for which the functor (\ref{equation-remember}) is an equivalence. Our definition of a Galois category is as follows. \begin{definition} \label{definition-galois-category} \begin{reference} Different from the definition in \cite[Expos\'e V, Definition 5.1]{SGA1}. Compare with \cite[Definition 7.2.1]{BS}. \end{reference} Let $\mathcal{C}$ be a category and let $F : \mathcal{C} \to \textit{Sets}$ be a functor. The pair $(\mathcal{C}, F)$ is a {\it Galois category} if \begin{enumerate} \item $\mathcal{C}$ has finite limits and finite colimits, \item \label{item-connected-components} every object of $\mathcal{C}$ is a finite (possibly empty) coproduct of connected objects, \item $F(X)$ is finite for all $X \in \Ob(\mathcal{C})$, and \item $F$ reflects isomorphisms\footnote{Namely, given a morphism $f$ of $\mathcal{C}$ if $F(f)$ is an isomorphism, then $f$ is an isomorphism.} and is exact\footnote{This means that $F$ commutes with finite limits and colimits, see Categories, Section \ref{categories-section-exact-functor}.}. \end{enumerate} Here we say $X \in \Ob(\mathcal{C})$ is connected if it is not initial and for any monomorphism $Y \to X$ either $Y$ is initial or $Y \to X$ is an isomorphism. \end{definition} \noindent {\bf Warning:} This definition is not the same (although eventually we'll see it is equivalent) as the definition given in most references. Namely, in \cite[Expos\'e V, Definition 5.1]{SGA1} a Galois category is defined to be a category equivalent to $\textit{Finite-}G\textit{-Sets}$ for some profinite group $G$. Then Grothendieck characterizes Galois categories by a list of axioms (G1) -- (G6) which are weaker than our axioms above. The motivation for our choice is to stress the existence of finite limits and finite colimits and exactness of the functor $F$. The price we'll pay for this later is that we'll have to work a bit harder to apply the results of this section. \begin{lemma} \label{lemma-epi-mono} Let $(\mathcal{C}, F)$ be a Galois category. Let $X \to Y \in \text{Arrows}(\mathcal{C})$. Then \begin{enumerate} \item $F$ is faithful, \item $X \to Y$ is a monomorphism $\Leftrightarrow F(X) \to F(Y)$ is injective, \item $X \to Y$ is an epimorphism $\Leftrightarrow F(X) \to F(Y)$ is surjective, \item an object $A$ of $\mathcal{C}$ is initial if and only if $F(A) = \emptyset$, \item an object $Z$ of $\mathcal{C}$ is final if and only if $F(Z)$ is a singleton, \item if $X$ and $Y$ are connected, then $X \to Y$ is an epimorphism, \item \label{item-one-element} if $X$ is connected and $a, b : X \to Y$ are two morphisms then $a = b$ as soon as $F(a)$ and $F(b)$ agree on one element of $F(X)$, \item if $X = \coprod_{i = 1, \ldots, n} X_i$ and $Y = \coprod_{j = 1, \ldots, m} Y_j$ where $X_i$, $Y_j$ are connected, then there is map $\alpha : \{1, \ldots, n\} \to \{1, \ldots, m\}$ such that $X \to Y$ comes from a collection of morphisms $X_i \to Y_{\alpha(i)}$. \end{enumerate} \end{lemma} \begin{proof} Proof of (1). Suppose $a, b : X \to Y$ with $F(a) = F(b)$. Let $E$ be the equalizer of $a$ and $b$. Then $F(E) = F(X)$ and we see that $E = X$ because $F$ reflects isomorphisms. \medskip\noindent Proof of (2). This is true because $F$ turns the morphism $X \to X \times_Y X$ into the map $F(X) \to F(X) \times_{F(Y)} F(X)$ and $F$ reflects isomorphisms. \medskip\noindent Proof of (3). This is true because $F$ turns the morphism $Y \amalg_X Y \to Y$ into the map $F(Y) \amalg_{F(X)} F(Y) \to F(Y)$ and $F$ reflects isomorphisms. \medskip\noindent Proof of (4). There exists an initial object $A$ and certainly $F(A) = \emptyset$. On the other hand, if $X$ is an object with $F(X) = \emptyset$, then the unique map $A \to X$ induces a bijection $F(A) \to F(X)$ and hence $A \to X$ is an isomorphism. \medskip\noindent Proof of (5). There exists a final object $Z$ and certainly $F(Z)$ is a singleton. On the other hand, if $X$ is an object with $F(X)$ a singleton, then the unique map $X \to Z$ induces a bijection $F(X) \to F(Z)$ and hence $X \to Z$ is an isomorphism. \medskip\noindent Proof of (6). The equalizer $E$ of the two maps $Y \to Y \amalg_X Y$ is not an initial object of $\mathcal{C}$ because $X \to Y$ factors through $E$ and $F(X) \not = \emptyset$. Hence $E = Y$ and we conclude. \medskip\noindent Proof of (\ref{item-one-element}). The equalizer $E$ of $a$ and $b$ comes with a monomorphism $E \to X$ and $F(E) \subset F(X)$ is the set of elements where $F(a)$ and $F(b)$ agree. To finish use that either $E$ is initial or $E = X$. \medskip\noindent Proof of (8). For each $i, j$ we see that $E_{ij} = X_i \times_Y Y_j$ is either initial or equal to $X_i$. Picking $s \in F(X_i)$ we see that $E_{ij} = X_i$ if and only if $s$ maps to an element of $F(Y_j) \subset F(Y)$, hence this happens for a unique $j = \alpha(i)$. \end{proof} \noindent By the lemma above we see that, given a connected object $X$ of a Galois category $(\mathcal{C}, F)$, the automorphism group $\text{Aut}(X)$ has order at most $|F(X)|$. Namely, given $s \in F(X)$ and $g \in \text{Aut}(X)$ we see that $F(g)(s) = s$ if and only if $g = \text{id}_X$ by (\ref{item-one-element}). We say $X$ is {\it Galois} if equality holds. Equivalently, $X$ is Galois if it is connected and $\text{Aut}(X)$ acts transitively on $F(X)$. \begin{lemma} \label{lemma-galois} Let $(\mathcal{C}, F)$ be a Galois category. For any connected object $X$ of $\mathcal{C}$ there exists a Galois object $Y$ and a morphism $Y \to X$. \end{lemma} \begin{proof} We will use the results of Lemma \ref{lemma-epi-mono} without further mention. Let $n = |F(X)|$. Consider $X^n$ endowed with its natural action of $S_n$. Let $$ X^n = \coprod\nolimits_{t \in T} Z_t $$ be the decomposition into connected objects. Pick a $t$ such that $F(Z_t)$ contains $(s_1, \ldots, s_n)$ with $s_i$ pairwise distinct. If $(s'_1, \ldots, s'_n) \in F(Z_t)$ is another element, then we claim $s'_i$ are pairwise distinct as well. Namely, if not, say $s'_i = s'_j$, then $Z_t$ is the image of an connected component of $X^{n - 1}$ under the diagonal morphism $$ \Delta_{ij} : X^{n - 1} \longrightarrow X^n $$ Since morphisms of connected objects are epimorphisms and induce surjections after applying $F$ it would follow that $s_i = s_j$ which is not the case. \medskip\noindent Let $G \subset S_n$ be the subgroup of elements with $g(Z_t) = Z_t$. Looking at the action of $S_n$ on $$ F(X)^n = F(X^n) = \coprod\nolimits_{t' \in T} F(Z_{t'}) $$ we see that $G = \{g \in S_n \mid g(s_1, \ldots, s_n) \in F(Z_t)\}$. Now pick a second element $(s'_1, \ldots, s'_n) \in F(Z_t)$. Above we have seen that $s'_i$ are pairwise distinct. Thus we can find a $g \in S_n$ with $g(s_1, \ldots, s_n) = (s'_1, \ldots, s'_n)$. In other words, the action of $G$ on $F(Z_t)$ is transitive and the proof is complete. \end{proof} \noindent Here is a key lemma. \begin{lemma} \label{lemma-tame} \begin{reference} Compare with \cite[Definition 7.2.4]{BS}. \end{reference} Let $(\mathcal{C}, F)$ be a Galois category. Let $G = \text{Aut}(F)$ be as in Example \ref{example-from-C-F-to-G-sets}. For any connected $X$ in $\mathcal{C}$ the action of $G$ on $F(X)$ is transitive. \end{lemma} \begin{proof} We will use the results of Lemma \ref{lemma-epi-mono} without further mention. Let $I$ be the set of isomorphism classes of Galois objects in $\mathcal{C}$. For each $i \in I$ let $X_i$ be a representative of the isomorphism class. Choose $\gamma_i \in F(X_i)$ for each $i \in I$. We define a partial ordering on $I$ by setting $i \geq i'$ if and only if there is a morphism $f_{ii'} : X_i \to X_{i'}$. Given such a morphism we can post-compose by an automorphism $X_{i'} \to X_{i'}$ to assure that $F(f_{ii'})(\gamma_i) = \gamma_{i'}$. With this normalization the morphism $f_{ii'}$ is unique. Observe that $I$ is a directed partially ordered set: (Categories, Definition \ref{categories-definition-directed-set}) if $i_1, i_2 \in I$ there exists a Galois object $Y$ and a morphism $Y \to X_{i_1} \times X_{i_2}$ by Lemma \ref{lemma-galois} applied to a connected component of $X_{i_1} \times X_{i_2}$. Then $Y \cong X_i$ for some $i \in I$ and $i \geq i_1$, $i \geq I_2$. \medskip\noindent We claim that the functor $F$ is isomorphic to the functor $F'$ which sends $X$ to $$ F'(X) = \colim_I \Mor_\mathcal{C}(X_i, X) $$ via the transformation of functors $t : F' \to F$ defined as follows: given $f : X_i \to X$ we set $t_X(f) = F(f)(\gamma_i)$. Using (\ref{item-one-element}) we find that $t_X$ is injective. To show surjectivity, let $\gamma \in F(X)$. Then we can immediately reduce to the case where $X$ is connected by the definition of a Galois category. Then we may assume $X$ is Galois by Lemma \ref{lemma-galois}. In this case $X$ is isomorphic to $X_i$ for some $i$ and we can choose the isomorphism $X_i \to X$ such that $\gamma_i$ maps to $\gamma$ (by definition of Galois objects). We conclude that $t$ is an isomorphism. \medskip\noindent Set $A_i = \text{Aut}(X_i)$. We claim that for $i \geq i'$ there is a canonical map $h_{ii'} : A_i \to A_{i'}$ such that for all $a \in A_i$ the diagram $$ \xymatrix{ X_i \ar[d]_a \ar[r]_{f_{ii'}} & X_{i'} \ar[d]^{h_{ii'}(a)} \\ X_i \ar[r]^{f_{ii'}} & X_{i'} } $$ commutes. Namely, just let $h_{ii'}(a) = a' : X_{i'} \to X_{i'}$ be the unique automorphism such that $F(a')(\gamma_{i'}) = F(f_{ii'} \circ a)(\gamma_i)$. As before this makes the diagram commute and moreover the choice is unique. It follows that $h_{i'i''} \circ h_{ii'} = h_{ii''}$ if $i \geq i' \geq i''$. Since $F(X_i) \to F(X_{i'})$ is surjective we see that $A_i \to A_{i'}$ is surjective. Taking the inverse limit we obtain a group $$ A = \lim_I A_i $$ This is a profinite group since the automorphism groups are finite. The map $A \to A_i$ is surjective for all $i$ by Categories, Lemma \ref{categories-lemma-nonempty-limit}. \medskip\noindent Since elements of $A$ act on the inverse system $X_i$ we get an action of $A$ (on the right) on $F'$ by pre-composing. In other words, we get a homomorphism $A^{opp} \to G$. Since $A \to A_i$ is surjective we conclude that $G$ acts transitively on $F(X_i)$ for all $i$. Since every connected object is dominated by one of the $X_i$ we conclude the lemma is true. \end{proof} \begin{proposition} \label{proposition-galois} \begin{reference} This is a weak version of \cite[Expos\'e V]{SGA1}. The proof is borrowed from \cite[Theorem 7.2.5]{BS}. \end{reference} Let $(\mathcal{C}, F)$ be a Galois category. Let $G = \text{Aut}(F)$ be as in Example \ref{example-from-C-F-to-G-sets}. The functor $F : \mathcal{C} \to \textit{Finite-}G\textit{-Sets}$ (\ref{equation-remember}) an equivalence. \end{proposition} \begin{proof} We will use the results of Lemma \ref{lemma-epi-mono} without further mention. In particular we know the functor is faithful. By Lemma \ref{lemma-tame} we know that for any connected $X$ the action of $G$ on $F(X)$ is transitive. Hence for general $X$ the functor $F$ sends the connected components of $X$ (which exist by an axiom of a Galois category) to the $G$-orbits of $F(X)$. Let $X$ and $Y$ be objects and let $s : F(X) \to F(Y)$ be a map. Then the graph $\Gamma_s \subset F(X) \times F(Y)$ of $s$ is a union of connected components. Hence there exists a union of connected components $Z$ of $X \times Y$, which comes equipped with a monomorphism $Z \to X \times Y$, with $F(Z) = \Gamma_s$. Since $F(Z) \to F(X)$ is bijective we see that $Z \to X$ is an isomorphism and we conclude that $s = F(f)$ where $f : X \cong Z \to Y$ is the composition. Hence $F$ is fully faithful. \medskip\noindent To finish the proof we show that $F$ is essentially surjective. It suffices to show that $G/H$ is in the essential image for any open subgroup $H \subset G$ of finite index. By definition of the topology on $G$ there exists a finite collection of objects $X_i$ such that $$ \Ker(G \longrightarrow \prod\nolimits_i \text{Aut}(F(X_i))) $$ is contained in $H$. We may assume $X_i$ is connected for all $i$. We can choose a Galois object $Y$ mapping to a connected component of $\prod X_i$ using Lemma \ref{lemma-galois}. Choose an isomorphism $F(Y) = G/U$ in $G\textit{-sets}$ for some open subgroup $U \subset G$. As $Y$ is Galois, the group $\text{Aut}(Y) = \text{Aut}_{G\textit{-Sets}}(G/U)$ acts transitively on $F(Y) = G/U$. This implies that $U$ is normal. Since $F(Y)$ surjects onto $F(X_i)$ for each $i$ we see that $U \subset H$. Let $M \subset \text{Aut}(Y)$ be the finite subgroup corresponding to $$ (H/U)^{opp} \subset (G/U)^{opp} = \text{Aut}_{G\textit{-Sets}}(G/U) = \text{Aut}(Y). $$ Set $X = Y/M$, i.e., $X$ is the coequalizer of the arrows $m : Y \to Y$, $m \in M$. Since $F$ is exact we see that $F(X) = G/H$ and the proof is complete. \end{proof} \begin{lemma} \label{lemma-functoriality-galois} Let $(\mathcal{C}, F)$ and $(\mathcal{C}', F')$ be Galois categories. Let $H : \mathcal{C} \to \mathcal{C}'$ be an exact functor. There exists an isomorphism $t : F' \circ H \to F$. The choice of $t$ determines a continuous homomorphism $h : G' = \text{Aut}(F') \to \text{Aut}(F) = G$ and a $2$-commutative diagram $$ \xymatrix{ \mathcal{C} \ar[r]_H \ar[d] & \mathcal{C}' \ar[d] \\ \textit{Finite-}G\textit{-Sets} \ar[r]^h & \textit{Finite-}G'\textit{-Sets} } $$ The map $h$ is independent of $t$ up to an inner automorphism of $G$. Conversely, given a continuous homomorphism $h : G' \to G$ there is an exact functor $H : \mathcal{C} \to \mathcal{C}'$ and an isomorphism $t$ recovering $h$ as above. \end{lemma} \begin{proof} By Proposition \ref{proposition-galois} and Lemma \ref{lemma-single-out-profinite} we may assume $\mathcal{C} = \textit{Finite-}G\textit{-Sets}$ and $F$ is the forgetful functor and similarly for $\mathcal{C}'$. Thus the existence of $t$ follows from Lemma \ref{lemma-second-fundamental-functor}. The map $h$ comes from transport of structure via $t$. The commutativity of the diagram is obvious. Uniqueness of $h$ up to inner conjugation by an element of $G$ comes from the fact that the choice of $t$ is unique up to an element of $G$. The final statement is straightforward. \end{proof} \section{Functors and homomorphisms} \label{section-translation} \noindent Let $(\mathcal{C}, F)$, $(\mathcal{C}', F')$, $(\mathcal{C}'', F'')$ be Galois categories. Set $G = \text{Aut}(F)$, $G' = \text{Aut}(F')$, and $G'' = \text{Aut}(F'')$. Let $H : \mathcal{C} \to \mathcal{C}'$ and $H' : \mathcal{C}' \to \mathcal{C}''$ be exact functors. Let $h : G' \to G$ and $h' : G'' \to G'$ be the corresponding continuous homomorphism as in Lemma \ref{lemma-functoriality-galois}. In this section we consider the corresponding $2$-commutative diagram \begin{equation} \label{equation-translation} \vcenter{ \xymatrix{ \mathcal{C} \ar[r]_H \ar[d] & \mathcal{C}' \ar[r]_{H'} \ar[d] & \mathcal{C}'' \ar[d] \\ \textit{Finite-}G\textit{-Sets} \ar[r]^h & \textit{Finite-}G'\textit{-Sets} \ar[r]^{h'} & \textit{Finite-}G''\textit{-Sets} } } \end{equation} and we relate exactness properties of the sequence $1 \to G'' \to G' \to G \to 1$ to properties of the functors $H$ and $H'$. \begin{lemma} \label{lemma-functoriality-galois-surjective} In diagram (\ref{equation-translation}) the following are equivalent \begin{enumerate} \item $h : G' \to G$ is surjective, \item $H : \mathcal{C} \to \mathcal{C}'$ is fully faithful, \item if $X \in \Ob(\mathcal{C})$ is connected, then $H(X)$ is connected, \item if $X \in \Ob(\mathcal{C})$ is connected and there is a morphism $*' \to H(X)$ in $\mathcal{C}'$, then there is a morphism $* \to X$, and \item for any object $X$ of $\mathcal{C}$ the map $\Mor_\mathcal{C}(*, X) \to \Mor_{\mathcal{C}'}(*', H(X))$ is bijective. \end{enumerate} Here $*$ and $*'$ are final objects of $\mathcal{C}$ and $\mathcal{C}'$. \end{lemma} \begin{proof} The implications (5) $\Rightarrow$ (4) and (2) $\Rightarrow$ (5) are clear. \medskip\noindent Assume (3). Let $X$ be a connected object of $\mathcal{C}$ and let $*' \to H(X)$ be a morphism. Since $H(X)$ is connected by (3) we see that $*' \to H(X)$ is an isomorphism. Hence the $G'$-set corresponding to $H(X)$ has exactly one element, which means the $G$-set corresponding to $X$ has one element which means $X$ is isomorphic to the final object of $\mathcal{C}$, in particular there is a map $* \to X$. In this way we see that (3) $\Rightarrow$ (4). \medskip\noindent If (1) is true, then the functor $\textit{Finite-}G\textit{-Sets} \to \textit{Finite-}G'\textit{-Sets}$ is fully faithful: in this case a map of $G$-sets commutes with the action of $G$ if and only if it commutes with the action of $G'$. Thus (1) $\Rightarrow$ (2). \medskip\noindent If (1) is true, then for a $G$-set $X$ the $G$-orbits and $G'$-orbits agree. Thus (1) $\Rightarrow$ (3). \medskip\noindent To finish the proof it suffices to show that (4) implies (1). If (1) is false, i.e., if $h$ is not surjective, then there is an open subgroup $U \subset G$ containing $h(G')$ which is not equal to $G$. Then the finite $G$-set $M = G/U$ has a transitive action but $G'$ has a fixed point. The object $X$ of $\mathcal{C}$ corresponding to $M$ would contradict (3). In this way we see that (3) $\Rightarrow$ (1) and the proof is complete. \end{proof} \begin{lemma} \label{lemma-composition-trivial} In diagram (\ref{equation-translation}) the following are equivalent \begin{enumerate} \item $h \circ h'$ is trivial, and \item the image of $H' \circ H$ consists of objects isomorphic to finite coproducts of final objects. \end{enumerate} \end{lemma} \begin{proof} We may replace $H$ and $H'$ by the canonical functors $\textit{Finite-}G\textit{-Sets} \to \textit{Finite-}G'\textit{-Sets} \to \textit{Finite-}G''\textit{-Sets}$ determined by $h$ and $h'$. Then we are saying that the action of $G''$ on every $G$-set is trivial if and only if the homomorphism $G'' \to G$ is trivial. This is clear. \end{proof} \begin{lemma} \label{lemma-functoriality-galois-ses} In diagram (\ref{equation-translation}) the following are equivalent \begin{enumerate} \item the sequence $G'' \xrightarrow{h'} G' \xrightarrow{h} G \to 1$ is exact in the following sense: $h$ is surjective, $h \circ h'$ is trivial, and $\Ker(h)$ is the smallest closed normal subgroup containing $\Im(h')$, \item $H$ is fully faithful and an object $X'$ of $\mathcal{C}'$ is in the essential image of $H$ if and only if $H'(X')$ is isomorphic to a finite coproduct of final objects, and \item $H$ is fully faithful, $H \circ H'$ sends every object to a finite coproduct of final objects, and for an object $X'$ of $\mathcal{C}'$ such that $H'(X')$ is a finite coproduct of final objects there exists an object $X$ of $\mathcal{C}$ and an epimorphism $H(X) \to X'$. \end{enumerate} \end{lemma} \begin{proof} By Lemmas \ref{lemma-functoriality-galois-surjective} and \ref{lemma-composition-trivial} we may assume that $H$ is fully faithful, $h$ is surjective, $H' \circ H$ maps objects to disjoint unions of the final object, and $h \circ h'$ is trivial. Let $N \subset G'$ be the smallest closed normal subgroup containing the image of $h'$. It is clear that $N \subset \Ker(h)$. We may assume the functors $H$ and $H'$ are the canonical functors $\textit{Finite-}G\textit{-Sets} \to \textit{Finite-}G'\textit{-Sets} \to \textit{Finite-}G''\textit{-Sets}$ determined by $h$ and $h'$. \medskip\noindent Suppose that (2) holds. This means that for a finite $G'$-set $X'$ such that $G''$ acts trivially, the action of $G'$ factors through $G$. Apply this to $X' = G'/U'N$ where $U'$ is a small open subgroup of $G'$. Then we see that $\Ker(h) \subset U'N$ for all $U'$. Since $N$ is closed this implies $\Ker(h) \subset N$, i.e., (1) holds. \medskip\noindent Suppose that (1) holds. This means that $N = \Ker(h)$. Let $X'$ be a finite $G'$-set such that $G''$ acts trivially. This means that $\Ker(G' \to \text{Aut}(X'))$ is a closed normal subgroup containing $\Im(h')$. Hence $N = \Ker(h)$ is contained in it and the $G'$-action on $X'$ factors through $G$, i.e., (2) holds. \medskip\noindent Suppose that (3) holds. This means that for a finite $G'$-set $X'$ such that $G''$ acts trivially, there is a surjection of $G'$-sets $X \to X'$ where $X$ is a $G$-set. Clearly this means the action of $G'$ on $X'$ factors through $G$, i.e., (2) holds. \medskip\noindent The implication (2) $\Rightarrow$ (3) is immediate. This finishes the proof. \end{proof} \begin{lemma} \label{lemma-functoriality-galois-injective} In diagram (\ref{equation-translation}) the following are equivalent \begin{enumerate} \item $h'$ is injective, and \item for every connected object $X''$ of $\mathcal{C}''$ there exists an object $X'$ of $\mathcal{C}'$ and a diagram $$ X'' \leftarrow Y'' \rightarrow H(X') $$ in $\mathcal{C}''$ where $Y'' \to X''$ is an epimorphism and $Y'' \to H(X')$ is a monomorphism. \end{enumerate} \end{lemma} \begin{proof} We may replace $H'$ by the corresponding functor between the categories of finite $G'$-sets and finite $G''$-sets. \medskip\noindent Assume $h' : G'' \to G'$ is injective. Let $H'' \subset G''$ be an open subgroup. Since the topology on $G''$ is the induced topology from $G'$ there exists an open subgroup $H' \subset G'$ such that $(h')^{-1}(H') \subset H''$. Then the desired diagram is $$ G''/H'' \leftarrow G''/(h')^{-1}(H') \rightarrow G'/H' $$ Conversely, assume (2) holds for the functor $\textit{Finite-}G'\textit{-Sets} \to \textit{Finite-}G''\textit{-Sets}$. Let $g'' \in \Ker(h')$. Pick any open subgroup $H'' \subset G''$. By assumption there exists a finite $G'$-set $X'$ and a diagram $$ G''/H'' \leftarrow Y'' \rightarrow X' $$ of $G''$-sets with the left arrow surjective and the right arrow injective. Since $g''$ is in the kernel of $h'$ we see that $g''$ acts trivially on $X'$. Hence $g''$ acts trivially on $Y''$ and hence trivially on $G''/H''$. Thus $g'' \in H''$. As this holds for all open subgroups we conclude that $g''$ is the identity element as desired. \end{proof} \begin{lemma} \label{lemma-functoriality-galois-normal} In diagram (\ref{equation-translation}) the following are equivalent \begin{enumerate} \item the image of $h'$ is normal, and \item for every connected object $X'$ of $\mathcal{C}'$ such that there is a morphism from the final object of $\mathcal{C}''$ to $H'(X')$ we have that $H'(X')$ is isomorphic to a finite coproduct of final objects. \end{enumerate} \end{lemma} \begin{proof} This translates into the following statement for the continuous group homomorphism $h' : G'' \to G'$: the image of $h'$ is normal if and only if every open subgroup $U' \subset G'$ which contains $h'(G'')$ also contains every conjugate of $h'(G'')$. The result follows easily from this; some details omitted. \end{proof} \section{Finite \'etale morphisms} \label{section-finite-etale} \noindent In this section we prove enough basic results on finite \'etale morphisms to be able to construct the \'etale fundamental group. \medskip\noindent Let $X$ be a scheme. We will use the notation $\textit{F\'Et}_X$ to denote the category of schemes finite and \'etale over $X$. Thus \begin{enumerate} \item an object of $\textit{F\'Et}_X$ is a finite \'etale morphism $Y \to X$ with target $X$, and \item a morphism in $\textit{F\'Et}_X$ from $Y \to X$ to $Y' \to X$ is a morphism $Y \to Y'$ making the diagram $$ \xymatrix{ Y \ar[rr] \ar[rd] & & Y' \ar[ld] \\ & X } $$ commute. \end{enumerate} We will often call an object of $\textit{F\'Et}_X$ a {\it finite \'etale cover} of $X$ (even if $Y$ is empty). It turns out that there is a stack $p : \textit{F\'Et} \to \Sch$ over the category of schemes whose fibre over $X$ is the category $\textit{F\'Et}_X$ just defined. See Examples of Stacks, Section \ref{examples-stacks-section-finite-etale}. \begin{example} \label{example-finite-etale-geometric-point} Let $k$ be an algebraically closed field and $X = \Spec(k)$. In this case $\textit{F\'Et}_X$ is equivalent to the category of finite sets. This works more generally when $k$ is separably algebraically closed. The reason is that a scheme \'etale over $k$ is the disjoint union of spectra of fields finite separable over $k$, see Morphisms, Lemma \ref{morphisms-lemma-etale-over-field}. \end{example} \begin{lemma} \label{lemma-finite-etale-covers-limits-colimits} Let $X$ be a scheme. The category $\textit{F\'Et}_X$ has finite limits and finite colimits and for any morphism $X' \to X$ the base change functor $\textit{F\'Et}_X \to \textit{F\'Et}_{X'}$ is exact. \end{lemma} \begin{proof} Finite limits and left exactness. By Categories, Lemma \ref{categories-lemma-finite-limits-exist} it suffices to show that $\textit{F\'Et}_X$ has a final object and fibred products. This is clear because the category of all schemes over $X$ has a final object (namely $X$) and fibred products. Also, fibred products of schemes finite \'etale over $X$ are finite \'etale over $X$. Moreover, it is clear that base change commutes with these operations and hence base change is left exact (Categories, Lemma \ref{categories-lemma-characterize-left-exact}). \medskip\noindent Finite colimits and right exactness. By Categories, Lemma \ref{categories-lemma-colimits-exist} it suffices to show that $\textit{F\'Et}_X$ has finite coproducts and coequalizers. Finite coproducts are given by disjoint unions (the empty coproduct is the empty scheme). Let $a, b : Z \to Y$ be two morphisms of $\textit{F\'Et}_X$. Since $Z \to X$ and $Y \to X$ are finite \'etale we can write $Z = \underline{\Spec}(\mathcal{C})$ and $Y = \underline{\Spec}(\mathcal{B})$ for some finite locally free $\mathcal{O}_X$-algebras $\mathcal{C}$ and $\mathcal{B}$. The morphisms $a, b$ induce two maps $a^\sharp, b^\sharp : \mathcal{B} \to \mathcal{C}$. Let $\mathcal{A} = \text{Eq}(a^\sharp, b^\sharp)$ be their equalizer. If $$ \underline{\Spec}(\mathcal{A}) \longrightarrow X $$ is finite \'etale, then it is clear that this is the coequalizer (after all we can write any object of $\textit{F\'Et}_X$ as the relative spectrum of a sheaf of $\mathcal{O}_X$-algebras). This we may do after replacing $X$ by the members of an \'etale covering (Descent, Lemmas \ref{descent-lemma-descending-property-finite} and \ref{descent-lemma-descending-property-etale}). Thus by \'Etale Morphisms, Lemma \ref{etale-lemma-finite-etale-etale-local} we may assume that $Y = \coprod_{i = 1, \ldots, n} X$ and $Z = \coprod_{j = 1, \ldots, m} X$. Then $$ \mathcal{C} = \prod\nolimits_{1 \leq j \leq m} \mathcal{O}_X \quad\text{and}\quad \mathcal{B} = \prod\nolimits_{1 \leq i \leq n} \mathcal{O}_X $$ After a further replacement by the members of an open covering we may assume that $a, b$ correspond to maps $a_s, b_s : \{1, \ldots, m\} \to \{1, \ldots, n\}$, i.e., the summand $X$ of $Z$ corresponding to the index $j$ maps into the summand $X$ of $Y$ corresponding to the index $a_s(j)$, resp.\ $b_s(j)$ under the morphism $a$, resp.\ $b$. Let $\{1, \ldots, n\} \to T$ be the coequalizer of $a_s, b_s$. Then we see that $$ \mathcal{A} = \prod\nolimits_{t \in T} \mathcal{O}_X $$ whose spectrum is certainly finite \'etale over $X$. We omit the verification that this is compatible with base change. Thus base change is a right exact functor. \end{proof} \begin{remark} \label{remark-colimits-commute-forgetful} Let $X$ be a scheme. Consider the natural functors $F_1 : \textit{F\'Et}_X \to \Sch$ and $F_2 : \textit{F\'Et}_X \to \Sch/X$. Then \begin{enumerate} \item The functors $F_1$ and $F_2$ commute with finite colimits. \item The functor $F_2$ commutes with finite limits, \item The functor $F_1$ commutes with connected finite limits, i.e., with equalizers and fibre products. \end{enumerate} The results on limits are immediate from the discussion in the proof of Lemma \ref{lemma-finite-etale-covers-limits-colimits} and Categories, Lemma \ref{categories-lemma-connected-limit-over-X}. It is clear that $F_1$ and $F_2$ commute with finite coproducts. By the dual of Categories, Lemma \ref{categories-lemma-characterize-left-exact} we need to show that $F_1$ and $F_2$ commute with coequalizers. In the proof of Lemma \ref{lemma-finite-etale-covers-limits-colimits} we saw that coequalizers in $\textit{F\'Et}_X$ look \'etale locally like this $$ \xymatrix{ \coprod_{j \in J} U \ar@<1ex>[r]^a \ar@<-1ex>[r]_b & \coprod_{i \in I} U \ar[r] & \coprod_{t \in \text{Coeq}(a, b)} U } $$ which is certainly a coequalizer in the category of schemes. Hence the statement follows from the fact that being a coequalizer is fpqc local as formulated precisely in Descent, Lemma \ref{descent-lemma-coequalizer-fpqc-local}. \end{remark} \begin{lemma} \label{lemma-internal-hom-finite-etale} Let $X$ be a scheme. Given $U, V$ finite \'etale over $X$ there exists a scheme $W$ finite \'etale over $X$ such that $$ \Mor_X(X, W) = \Mor_X(U, V) $$ and such that the same remains true after any base change. \end{lemma} \begin{proof} By More on Morphisms, Lemma \ref{more-morphisms-lemma-hom-from-finite-locally-free-separated-lqf} there exists a scheme $W$ representing $\mathit{Mor}_X(U, V)$. (Use that an \'etale morphism is locally quasi-finite by Morphisms, Lemmas \ref{morphisms-lemma-etale-locally-quasi-finite} and that a finite morphism is separated.) This scheme clearly satisfies the formula after any base change. To finish the proof we have to show that $W \to X$ is finite \'etale. This we may do after replacing $X$ by the members of an \'etale covering (Descent, Lemmas \ref{descent-lemma-descending-property-finite} and \ref{descent-lemma-descending-property-separated}). Thus by \'Etale Morphisms, Lemma \ref{etale-lemma-finite-etale-etale-local} we may assume that $U = \coprod_{i = 1, \ldots, n} X$ and $V = \coprod_{j = 1, \ldots, m} X$. In this case $W = \coprod_{\alpha : \{1, \ldots, n\} \to \{1, \ldots, m\}} X$ by inspection (details omitted) and the proof is complete. \end{proof} \noindent Let $X$ be a scheme. A {\it geometric point} of $X$ is a morphism $\Spec(k) \to X$ where $k$ is algebraically closed. Such a point is usually denoted $\overline{x}$, i.e., by an overlined small case letter. We often use $\overline{x}$ to denote the scheme $\Spec(k)$ as well as the morphism, and we use $\kappa(\overline{x})$ to denote $k$. We say $\overline{x}$ {\it lies over} $x$ to indicate that $x \in X$ is the image of $\overline{x}$. We will discuss this further in \'Etale Cohomology, Section \ref{etale-cohomology-section-stalks}. Given $\overline{x}$ and an \'etale morphism $U \to X$ we can consider $$ |U_{\overline{x}}| : \text{the underlying set of points of the scheme }U_{\overline{x}} = U \times_X \overline{x} $$ Since $U_{\overline{x}}$ as a scheme over $\overline{x}$ is a disjoint union of copies of $\overline{x}$ (Morphisms, Lemma \ref{morphisms-lemma-etale-over-field}) we can also describe this set as $$ |U_{\overline{x}}| = \left\{ \begin{matrix} \text{commutative} \\ \text{diagrams} \end{matrix} \vcenter{ \xymatrix{ \overline{x} \ar[rd]_{\overline{x}} \ar[r]_{\overline{u}} & U \ar[d] \\ & X } } \right\} $$ The assignment $U \mapsto |U_{\overline{x}}|$ is a functor which is often denoted $F_{\overline{x}}$. \begin{lemma} \label{lemma-finite-etale-connected-galois-category} Let $X$ be a connected scheme. Let $\overline{x}$ be a geometric point. The functor $$ F_{\overline{x}} : \textit{F\'Et}_X \longrightarrow \textit{Sets},\quad Y \longmapsto |Y_{\overline{x}}| $$ defines a Galois category (Definition \ref{definition-galois-category}). \end{lemma} \begin{proof} After identifying $\textit{F\'Et}_{\overline{x}}$ with the category of finite sets (Example \ref{example-finite-etale-geometric-point}) we see that our functor $F_{\overline{x}}$ is nothing but the base change functor for the morphism $\overline{x} \to X$. Thus we see that $\textit{F\'Et}_X$ has finite limits and finite colimits and that $F_{\overline{x}}$ is exact by Lemma \ref{lemma-finite-etale-covers-limits-colimits}. We will also use that finite limits in $\textit{F\'Et}_X$ agree with the corresponding finite limits in the category of schemes over $X$, see Remark \ref{remark-colimits-commute-forgetful}. \medskip\noindent If $Y' \to Y$ is a monomorphism in $\textit{F\'Et}_X$ then we see that $Y' \to Y' \times_Y Y'$ is an isomorphism, and hence $Y' \to Y$ is a monomorphism of schemes. It follows that $Y' \to Y$ is an open immersion (\'Etale Morphisms, Theorem \ref{etale-theorem-etale-radicial-open}). Since $Y'$ is finite over $X$ and $Y$ separated over $X$, the morphism $Y' \to Y$ is finite (Morphisms, Lemma \ref{morphisms-lemma-finite-permanence}), hence closed (Morphisms, Lemma \ref{morphisms-lemma-finite-proper}), hence it is the inclusion of an open and closed subscheme of $Y$. It follows that $Y$ is a connected object of the category $\textit{F\'Et}_X$ (as in Definition \ref{definition-galois-category}) if and only if $Y$ is connected as a scheme. Then it follows from Topology, Lemma \ref{topology-lemma-finite-fibre-connected-components} that $Y$ is a finite coproduct of its connected components both as a scheme and in the sense of Definition \ref{definition-galois-category}. \medskip\noindent Let $Y \to Z$ be a morphism in $\textit{F\'Et}_X$ which induces a bijection $F_{\overline{x}}(Y) \to F_{\overline{x}}(Z)$. We have to show that $Y \to Z$ is an isomorphism. By the above we may assume $Z$ is connected. Since $Y \to Z$ is finite \'etale and hence finite locally free it suffices to show that $Y \to Z$ is finite locally free of degree $1$. This is true in a neighbourhood of any point of $Z$ lying over $\overline{x}$ and since $Z$ is connected and the degree is locally constant we conclude. \end{proof} \section{Fundamental groups} \label{section-fundamental-groups} \noindent In this section we define Grothendieck's algebraic fundamental group. The following definition makes sense thanks to Lemma \ref{lemma-finite-etale-connected-galois-category}. \begin{definition} \label{definition-fundamental-group} Let $X$ be a connected scheme. Let $\overline{x}$ be a geometric point of $X$. The {\it fundamental group} of $X$ with {\it base point} $\overline{x}$ is the group $$ \pi_1(X, \overline{x}) = \text{Aut}(F_{\overline{x}}) $$ of automorphisms of the fibre functor $F_{\overline{x}} : \textit{F\'Et}_X \to \textit{Sets}$ endowed with its canonical profinite topology from Lemma \ref{lemma-aut-inverse-limit}. \end{definition} \noindent Combining the above with the material from Section \ref{section-galois} we obtain the following theorem. \begin{theorem} \label{theorem-fundamental-group} Let $X$ be a connected scheme. Let $\overline{x}$ be a geometric point of $X$. \begin{enumerate} \item The fibre functor $F_{\overline{x}}$ defines an equivalence of categories $$ \textit{F\'Et}_X \longrightarrow \textit{Finite-}\pi_1(X, \overline{x})\textit{-Sets} $$ \item Given a second geometric point $\overline{x}'$ of $X$ there exists an isomorphism $t : F_{\overline{x}} \to F_{\overline{x}'}$. This gives an isomorphism $\pi_1(X, \overline{x}) \to \pi_1(X, \overline{x}')$ compatible with the equivalences in (1). This isomorphism is independent of $t$ up to inner conjugation. \item Given a morphism $f : X \to Y$ of connected schemes denote $\overline{y} = f \circ \overline{x}$. There is a canonical continuous homomorphism $$ f_* : \pi_1(X, \overline{x}) \to \pi_1(Y, \overline{y}) $$ such that the diagram $$ \xymatrix{ \textit{F\'Et}_Y \ar[r]_{\text{base change}} \ar[d]_{F_{\overline{y}}} & \textit{F\'Et}_X \ar[d]^{F_{\overline{x}}} \\ \textit{Finite-}\pi_1(Y, \overline{y})\textit{-Sets} \ar[r]^{f_*} & \textit{Finite-}\pi_1(X, \overline{x})\textit{-Sets} } $$ is commutative. \end{enumerate} \end{theorem} \begin{proof} Part (1) follows from Lemma \ref{lemma-finite-etale-connected-galois-category} and Proposition \ref{proposition-galois}. Part (2) is a special case of Lemma \ref{lemma-functoriality-galois}. For part (3) observe that the diagram $$ \xymatrix{ \textit{F\'Et}_Y \ar[r] \ar[d]_{F_{\overline{y}}} & \textit{F\'Et}_X \ar[d]^{F_{\overline{x}}} \\ \textit{Sets} \ar@{=}[r] & \textit{Sets} } $$ is commutative (actually commutative, not just $2$-commutative) because $\overline{y} = f \circ \overline{x}$. Hence we can apply Lemma \ref{lemma-functoriality-galois} with the implied transformation of functors to get (3). \end{proof} \begin{lemma} \label{lemma-fundamental-group-Galois-group} Let $K$ be a field and set $X = \Spec(K)$. Let $\overline{K}$ be an algebraic closure and denote $\overline{x} : \Spec(\overline{K}) \to X$ the corresponding geometric point. Let $K^{sep} \subset \overline{K}$ be the separable algebraic closure. \begin{enumerate} \item The functor of Lemma \ref{lemma-sheaves-point} induces an equivalence $$ \textit{F\'Et}_X \longrightarrow \textit{Finite-}\text{Gal}(K^{sep}/K)\textit{-Sets}. $$ compatible with $F_{\overline{x}}$ and the functor $\textit{Finite-}\text{Gal}(K^{sep}/K)\textit{-Sets} \to \textit{Sets}$. \item This induces a canonical isomorphism $$ \text{Gal}(K^{sep}/K) \longrightarrow \pi_1(X, \overline{x}) $$ of profinite topological groups. \end{enumerate} \end{lemma} \begin{proof} The functor of Lemma \ref{lemma-sheaves-point} is the same as the functor $F_{\overline{x}}$ because for any $Y$ \'etale over $X$ we have $$ \Mor_X(\Spec(\overline{K}), Y) = \Mor_X(\Spec(K^{sep}), Y) $$ Namely, as seen in the proof of Lemma \ref{lemma-sheaves-point} we have $Y = \coprod_{i \in I} \Spec(L_i)$ with $L_i/K$ finite separable over $K$. Hence any $K$-algebra homomorphism $L_i \to \overline{K}$ factors through $K^{sep}$. Also, note that $F_{\overline{x}}(Y)$ is finite if and only if $I$ is finite if and only if $Y \to X$ is finite \'etale. This proves (1). \medskip\noindent Part (2) is a formal consequence of (1), Lemma \ref{lemma-functoriality-galois}, and Lemma \ref{lemma-single-out-profinite}. (Please also see the remark below.) \end{proof} \begin{remark} \label{remark-variance} In the situation of Lemma \ref{lemma-fundamental-group-Galois-group} let us give a more explicit construction of the isomorphism $\text{Gal}(K^{sep}/K) \to \pi_1(X, \overline{x}) = \text{Aut}(F_{\overline{x}})$. Observe that $\text{Gal}(K^{sep}/K) = \text{Aut}(\overline{K}/K)$ as $\overline{K}$ is the perfection of $K^{sep}$. Since $F_{\overline{x}}(Y) = \Mor_X(\Spec(\overline{K}), Y)$ we may consider the map $$ \text{Aut}(\overline{K}/K) \times F_{\overline{x}}(Y) \to F_{\overline{x}}(Y), \quad (\sigma, \overline{y}) \mapsto \sigma \cdot \overline{y} = \overline{y} \circ \Spec(\sigma) $$ This is an action because $$ \sigma\tau \cdot \overline{y} = \overline{y} \circ \Spec(\sigma\tau) = \overline{y} \circ \Spec(\tau) \circ \Spec(\sigma) = \sigma \cdot (\tau \cdot \overline{y}) $$ The action is functorial in $Y \in \textit{F\'Et}_X$ and we obtain the desired map. \end{remark} \section{Galois covers of connected schemes} \label{section-finite-etale-under-galois} \noindent Let $X$ be a connected scheme with geometric point $\overline{x}$. Since $F_{\overline{x}} : \textit{F\'Et}_X \to \textit{Sets}$ is a Galois category (Lemma \ref{lemma-finite-etale-connected-galois-category}) the material in Section \ref{section-galois} applies. In this section we explicitly transfer some of the terminology and results to the setting of schemes and finite \'etale morphisms. \medskip\noindent We will say a finite \'etale morphism $Y \to X$ is a {\it Galois cover} if $Y$ defines a Galois object of $\textit{F\'Et}_X$. For a finite \'etale morphism $Y \to X$ with $G = \text{Aut}_X(Y)$ the following are equivalent \begin{enumerate} \item $Y$ is a Galois cover of $X$, \item $Y$ is connected and $|G|$ is equal to the degree of $Y \to X$, \item $Y$ is connected and $G$ acts transitively on $F_{\overline{x}}(Y)$, and \item $Y$ is connected and $G$ acts simply transitively on $F_{\overline{x}}(Y)$. \end{enumerate} This follows immediately from the discussion in Section \ref{section-galois}. \medskip\noindent For any finite \'etale morphism $f : Y \to X$ with $Y$ connected, there is a finite \'etale Galois cover $Y' \to X$ which dominates $Y$ (Lemma \ref{lemma-galois}). \medskip\noindent The Galois objects of $\textit{F\'Et}_X$ correspond, via the equivalence $$ F_{\overline{x}} : \textit{F\'Et}_X \to \textit{Finite-}\pi_1(X, \overline{x})\textit{-Sets} $$ of Theorem \ref{theorem-fundamental-group}, with the finite $\pi_1(X, \overline{x})\textit{-Sets}$ of the form $G = \pi_1(X, \overline{x})/H$ where $H$ is a normal open subgroup. Equivalently, if $G$ is a finite group and $\pi_1(X, \overline{x}) \to G$ is a continuous surjection, then $G$ viewed as a $\pi_1(X, \overline{x})$-set corresponds to a Galois covering. \medskip\noindent If $Y_i \to X$, $i = 1, 2$ are finite \'etale Galois covers with Galois groups $G_i$, then there exists a finite \'etale Galois cover $Y \to X$ whose Galois group is a subgroup of $G_1 \times G_2$. Namely, take the corresponding continuous homomorphisms $\pi_1(X, \overline{x}) \to G_i$ and let $G$ be the image of the induced continuous homomorphism $\pi_1(X, \overline{x}) \to G_1 \times G_2$. \section{Topological invariance of the fundamental group} \label{section-topological-invariance} \noindent The main result of this section is that a universal homeomorphism of connected schemes induces an isomorphism on fundamental groups. See Proposition \ref{proposition-universal-homeomorphism}. \medskip\noindent Instead of directly proving two schemes have the same fundamental group, we often prove that their categories of finite \'etale coverings are the same. This of course implies that their fundamental groups are equal provided they are connected. \begin{lemma} \label{lemma-what-equivalence-gives} Let $f : X \to Y$ be a morphism of quasi-compact and quasi-separated schemes such that the base change functor $\textit{F\'Et}_Y \to \textit{F\'Et}_X$ is an equivalence of categories. In this case \begin{enumerate} \item $f$ induces a homeomorphism $\pi_0(X) \to \pi_0(Y)$, \item if $X$ or equivalently $Y$ is connected, then $\pi_1(X, \overline{x}) = \pi_1(Y, \overline{y})$. \end{enumerate} \end{lemma} \begin{proof} Let $Y = Y_0 \amalg Y_1$ be a decomposition into nonempty open and closed subschemes. We claim that $f(X)$ meets both $Y_i$. Namely, if not, say $f(X) \subset Y_1$, then we can consider the finite \'etale morphism $V = Y_1 \to Y$. This is not an isomorphism but $V \times_Y X \to X$ is an isomorphism, which is a contradiction. \medskip\noindent Suppose that $X = X_0 \amalg X_1$ is a decomposition into open and closed subschemes. Consider the finite \'etale morphism $U = X_1 \to X$. Then $U = X \times_Y V$ for some finite \'etale morphism $V \to Y$. The degree of the morphism $V \to Y$ is locally constant, hence we obtain a decomposition $Y = \coprod_{d \geq 0} Y_d$ into open and closed subschemes such that $V \to Y$ has degree $d$ over $Y_d$. Since $f^{-1}(Y_d) = \emptyset$ for $d > 1$ we conclude that $Y_d = \emptyset$ for $d > 1$ by the above. And we conclude that $f^{-1}(Y_i) = X_i$ for $i = 0, 1$. \medskip\noindent It follows that $f^{-1}$ induces a bijection between the set of open and closed subsets of $Y$ and the set of open and closed subsets of $X$. Note that $X$ and $Y$ are spectral spaces, see Properties, Lemma \ref{properties-lemma-quasi-compact-quasi-separated-spectral}. By Topology, Lemma \ref{topology-lemma-connected-component-intersection} the lattice of open and closed subsets of a spectral space determines the set of connected components. Hence $\pi_0(X) \to \pi_0(Y)$ is bijective. Since $\pi_0(X)$ and $\pi_0(Y)$ are profinite spaces (Topology, Lemma \ref{topology-lemma-pi0-profinite}) we conclude that $\pi_0(X) \to \pi_0(Y)$ is a homeomorphism by Topology, Lemma \ref{topology-lemma-bijective-map}. This proves (1). Part (2) is immediate. \end{proof} \noindent The following lemma tells us that the fundamental group of a henselian pair is the fundamental group of the closed subset. \begin{lemma} \label{lemma-gabber} Let $(A, I)$ be a henselian pair. Set $X = \Spec(A)$ and $Z = \Spec(A/I)$. The functor $$ \textit{F\'Et}_X \longrightarrow \textit{F\'Et}_Z,\quad U \longmapsto U \times_X Z $$ is an equivalence of categories. \end{lemma} \begin{proof} This is a translation of More on Algebra, Lemma \ref{more-algebra-lemma-finite-etale-equivalence}. \end{proof} \noindent The following lemma tells us that the fundamental group of a thickening is the same as the fundamental group of the original. We will use this in the proof of the strong proposition concerning universal homeomorphisms below. \begin{lemma} \label{lemma-thickening} Let $X \subset X'$ be a thickening of schemes. The functor $$ \textit{F\'Et}_{X'} \longrightarrow \textit{F\'Et}_X,\quad U' \longmapsto U' \times_{X'} X $$ is an equivalence of categories. \end{lemma} \begin{proof} For a discussion of thickenings see More on Morphisms, Section \ref{more-morphisms-section-thickenings}. Let $U' \to X'$ be an \'etale morphism such that $U = U' \times_{X'} X \to X$ is finite \'etale. Then $U' \to X'$ is finite \'etale as well. This follows for example from More on Morphisms, Lemma \ref{more-morphisms-lemma-properties-that-extend-over-thickenings}. Now, if $X \subset X'$ is a finite order thickening then this remark combined with \'Etale Morphisms, Theorem \ref{etale-theorem-remarkable-equivalence} proves the lemma. Below we will prove the lemma for general thickenings, but we suggest the reader skip the proof. \medskip\noindent Let $X' = \bigcup X_i'$ be an affine open covering. Set $X_i = X \times_{X'} X_i'$, $X_{ij}' = X'_i \cap X'_j$, $X_{ij} = X \times_{X'} X_{ij}'$, $X_{ijk}' = X'_i \cap X'_j \cap X'_k$, $X_{ijk} = X \times_{X'} X_{ijk}'$. Suppose that we can prove the theorem for each of the thickenings $X_i \subset X'_i$, $X_{ij} \subset X_{ij}'$, and $X_{ijk} \subset X_{ijk}'$. Then the result follows for $X \subset X'$ by relative glueing of schemes, see Constructions, Section \ref{constructions-section-relative-glueing}. Observe that the schemes $X_i'$, $X_{ij}'$, $X_{ijk}'$ are each separated as open subschemes of affine schemes. Repeating the argument one more time we reduce to the case where the schemes $X'_i$, $X_{ij}'$, $X_{ijk}'$ are affine. \medskip\noindent In the affine case we have $X' = \Spec(A')$ and $X = \Spec(A'/I')$ where $I'$ is a locally nilpotent ideal. Then $(A', I')$ is a henselian pair (More on Algebra, Lemma \ref{more-algebra-lemma-locally-nilpotent-henselian}) and the result follows from Lemma \ref{lemma-gabber} (which is much easier in this case). \end{proof} \noindent The ``correct'' way to prove the following proposition would be to deduce it from the invariance of the \'etale site, see \'Etale Cohomology, Theorem \ref{etale-cohomology-theorem-topological-invariance}. \begin{proposition} \label{proposition-universal-homeomorphism} Let $f : X \to Y$ be a universal homeomorphism of schemes. Then $$ \textit{F\'Et}_Y \longrightarrow \textit{F\'Et}_X,\quad V \longmapsto V \times_Y X $$ is an equivalence. Thus if $X$ and $Y$ are connected, then $f$ induces an isomorphism $\pi_1(X, \overline{x}) \to \pi_1(Y, \overline{y})$ of fundamental groups. \end{proposition} \begin{proof} Recall that a universal homeomorphism is the same thing as an integral, universally injective, surjective morphism, see Morphisms, Lemma \ref{morphisms-lemma-universal-homeomorphism}. In particular, the diagonal $\Delta : X \to X \times_Y X$ is a thickening by Morphisms, Lemma \ref{morphisms-lemma-universally-injective}. Thus by Lemma \ref{lemma-thickening} we see that given a finite \'etale morphism $U \to X$ there is a unique isomorphism $$ \varphi : U \times_Y X \to X \times_Y U $$ of schemes finite \'etale over $X \times_Y X$ which pulls back under $\Delta$ to $\text{id} : U \to U$ over $X$. Since $X \to X \times_Y X \times_Y X$ is a thickening as well (it is bijective and a closed immersion) we conclude that $(U, \varphi)$ is a descent datum relative to $X/Y$. By \'Etale Morphisms, Proposition \ref{etale-proposition-effective} we conclude that $U = X \times_Y V$ for some $V \to Y$ quasi-compact, separated, and \'etale. We omit the proof that $V \to Y$ is finite (hints: the morphism $U \to V$ is surjective and $U \to Y$ is integral). We conclude that $\textit{F\'Et}_Y \to \textit{F\'Et}_X$ is essentially surjective. \medskip\noindent Arguing in the same manner as above we see that given $V_1 \to Y$ and $V_2 \to Y$ in $\textit{F\'Et}_Y$ any morphism $a : X \times_Y V_1 \to X \times_Y V_2$ over $X$ is compatible with the canonical descent data. Thus $a$ descends to a morphism $V_1 \to V_2$ over $Y$ by \'Etale Morphisms, Lemma \ref{etale-lemma-fully-faithful-cases}. \end{proof} \section{Comparison over the complex numbers} \label{section-comparison-complex} \noindent Let $X$ be a scheme of finite type over $\mathbf{C}$. We write $X^{an}$ for the associated complex analytic space and $X(\mathbf{C})$ for its underlying set of complex points with the classical topology. Analytification sends a finite \'etale morphism of schemes to a finite covering in the analytic topology. The converse is the content of the following theorem. \begin{theorem}[Riemann existence] \label{theorem-riemann-existence} \begin{reference} \cite[Expos\'e 190, n\textsuperscript{o} 3, pp. 308--310]{FGA} and \cite[Expos\'e XII, Th\'eor\`eme 5.1]{SGA1}. \end{reference} Let $X$ be a scheme of finite type over $\mathbf{C}$. The analytification functor is an equivalence between \begin{enumerate} \item schemes finite \'etale over $X$, and \item finite \'etale analytic spaces over $X^{an}$. \end{enumerate} Equivalently, finite \'etale covers of $X$ are the same as finite topological covering spaces of $X(\mathbf{C})$. \end{theorem} \begin{proof} This is the Riemann existence theorem; see \cite[Expos\'e XII, Th\'eor\`eme 5.1]{SGA1}. In particular, no normality hypothesis on $X$ is needed. The passage from a reduced scheme to an arbitrary scheme is also visible algebraically: $X_{red} \to X$ is a universal homeomorphism, so Proposition \ref{proposition-universal-homeomorphism} identifies their categories of finite \'etale covers, while $X_{red}(\mathbf{C}) = X(\mathbf{C})$. \end{proof} \begin{lemma} \label{lemma-fundamental-group-complex} Let $X$ be a connected scheme of finite type over $\mathbf{C}$, let $x \in X(\mathbf{C})$, and let $\overline{x}$ be the corresponding geometric point. There is a canonical isomorphism $$ \widehat{\pi_1^{top}(X(\mathbf{C}), x)} \longrightarrow \pi_1(X, \overline{x}), $$ where the left hand side is the profinite completion of the topological fundamental group. \end{lemma} \begin{proof} Apply Theorem \ref{theorem-riemann-existence} to the fibre functors at $x$ and use the classification of finite covering spaces; equivalently, this is \cite[Expos\'e XII, Corollaire 5.2]{SGA1}. \end{proof} \section{Finite \'etale covers of proper schemes} \label{section-finite-etale-over-proper} \noindent In this section we show that the fundamental group of a connected proper scheme over a henselian local ring is the same as the fundamental group of its special fibre. We also prove a variant of this result for a henselian pair. \medskip\noindent We also show that the fundamental group of a connected proper scheme over an algebraically closed field $k$ does not change if we replace $k$ by an algebraically closed extension. \medskip\noindent Instead of stating and proving the results in the connected case we prove the results in general and we leave it to the reader to deduce the result for fundamental groups using Lemma \ref{lemma-what-equivalence-gives}. \begin{lemma} \label{lemma-finite-etale-on-proper-over-henselian} Let $A$ be a henselian local ring. Let $X$ be a proper scheme over $A$ with closed fibre $X_0$. Then the functor $$ \textit{F\'Et}_X \to \textit{F\'Et}_{X_0},\quad U \longmapsto U_0 = U \times_X X_0 $$ is an equivalence of categories. \end{lemma} \begin{proof} The proof given here is an example of applying algebraization and approximation. We proceed in a number of stages. \medskip\noindent Essential surjectivity when $A$ is a complete local Noetherian ring. Let $X_n = X \times_{\Spec(A)} \Spec(A/\mathfrak m^{n + 1})$. By \'Etale Morphisms, Theorem \ref{etale-theorem-remarkable-equivalence} the inclusions $$ X_0 \to X_1 \to X_2 \to \ldots $$ induce equivalence of categories between the category of schemes \'etale over $X_0$ and the category of schemes \'etale over $X_n$. Moreover, if $U_n \to X_n$ corresponds to a finite \'etale morphism $U_0 \to X_0$, then $U_n \to X_n$ is finite too, for example by More on Morphisms, Lemma \ref{more-morphisms-lemma-thicken-property-morphisms-cartesian}. In this case the morphism $U_0 \to \Spec(A/\mathfrak m)$ is proper as $X_0$ is proper over $A/\mathfrak m$. Thus we may apply Grothendieck's algebraization theorem (in the form of Cohomology of Schemes, Lemma \ref{coherent-lemma-algebraize-formal-scheme-finite-over-proper}) to see that there is a finite morphism $U \to X$ whose restriction to $X_0$ recovers $U_0$. By More on Morphisms, Lemma \ref{more-morphisms-lemma-check-smoothness-on-infinitesimal-nbhds} we see that $U \to X$ is \'etale at every point of $U_0$. However, since every point of $U$ specializes to a point of $U_0$ (as $U$ is proper over $A$), we conclude that $U \to X$ is \'etale. In this way we conclude the functor is essentially surjective. \medskip\noindent Fully faithfulness when $A$ is a complete local Noetherian ring. Let $U \to X$ and $V \to X$ be finite \'etale morphisms and let $\varphi_0 : U_0 \to V_0$ be a morphism over $X_0$. Look at the morphism $$ \Gamma_{\varphi_0} : U_0 \longrightarrow U_0 \times_{X_0} V_0 $$ This morphism is both finite \'etale and a closed immersion. By essential surjectivity applied to $X = U \times_X V$ we find a finite \'etale morphism $W \to U \times_X V$ whose special fibre is isomorphic to $\Gamma_{\varphi_0}$. Consider the projection $W \to U$. It is finite \'etale and an isomorphism over $U_0$ by construction. By \'Etale Morphisms, Lemma \ref{etale-lemma-finite-etale-one-point} $W \to U$ is an isomorphism in an open neighbourhood of $U_0$. Thus it is an isomorphism and the composition $\varphi : U \cong W \to V$ is the desired lift of $\varphi_0$. \medskip\noindent Essential surjectivity when $A$ is a henselian local Noetherian G-ring. Let $U_0 \to X_0$ be a finite \'etale morphism. Let $A^\wedge$ be the completion of $A$ with respect to the maximal ideal. Let $X^\wedge$ be the base change of $X$ to $A^\wedge$. By the result above there exists a finite \'etale morphism $V \to X^\wedge$ whose special fibre is $U_0$. Write $A^\wedge = \colim A_i$ with $A \to A_i$ of finite type. By Limits, Lemma \ref{limits-lemma-descend-finite-presentation} there exists an $i$ and a finitely presented morphism $U_i \to X_{A_i}$ whose base change to $X^\wedge$ is $V$. After increasing $i$ we may assume that $U_i \to X_{A_i}$ is finite and \'etale (Limits, Lemmas \ref{limits-lemma-descend-finite-finite-presentation} and \ref{limits-lemma-descend-etale}). Writing $$ A_i = A[x_1, \ldots, x_n]/(f_1, \ldots, f_m) $$ the ring map $A_i \to A^\wedge$ can be reinterpreted as a solution $(a_1, \ldots, a_n)$ in $A^\wedge$ for the system of equations $f_j = 0$. By Smoothing Ring Maps, Theorem \ref{smoothing-theorem-approximation-property} we can approximate this solution (to order $11$ for example) by a solution $(b_1, \ldots, b_n)$ in $A$. Translating back we find an $A$-algebra map $A_i \to A$ which gives the same closed point as the original map $A_i \to A^\wedge$ (as $11 > 1$). The base change $U \to X$ of $V \to X_{A_i}$ by this ring map will therefore be a finite \'etale morphism whose special fibre is isomorphic to $U_0$. \medskip\noindent Fully faithfulness when $A$ is a henselian local Noetherian G-ring. This can be deduced from essential surjectivity in exactly the same manner as was done in the case that $A$ is complete Noetherian. \medskip\noindent General case. Let $(A, \mathfrak m)$ be a henselian local ring. Set $S = \Spec(A)$ and denote $s \in S$ the closed point. By Limits, Lemma \ref{limits-lemma-proper-limit-of-proper-finite-presentation-noetherian} we can write $X \to \Spec(A)$ as a cofiltered limit of proper morphisms $X_i \to S_i$ with $S_i$ of finite type over $\mathbf{Z}$. For each $i$ let $s_i \in S_i$ be the image of $s$. Since $S = \lim S_i$ and $A = \mathcal{O}_{S, s}$ we have $A = \colim \mathcal{O}_{S_i, s_i}$. The ring $A_i = \mathcal{O}_{S_i, s_i}$ is a Noetherian local G-ring (More on Algebra, Proposition \ref{more-algebra-proposition-ubiquity-G-ring}). By More on Algebra, Lemma \ref{more-algebra-lemma-henselization-colimit} we see that $A = \colim A_i^h$. By More on Algebra, Lemma \ref{more-algebra-lemma-henselization-G-ring} the rings $A_i^h$ are G-rings. Thus we see that $A = \colim A_i^h$ and $$ X = \lim (X_i \times_{S_i} \Spec(A_i^h)) $$ as schemes. The category of schemes finite \'etale over $X$ is the limit of the category of schemes finite \'etale over $X_i \times_{S_i} \Spec(A_i^h)$ (by Limits, Lemmas \ref{limits-lemma-descend-finite-presentation}, \ref{limits-lemma-descend-finite-finite-presentation}, and \ref{limits-lemma-descend-etale}) The same thing is true for schemes finite \'etale over $X_0 = \lim (X_i \times_{S_i} s_i)$. Thus we formally deduce the result for $X / \Spec(A)$ from the result for the $(X_i \times_{S_i} \Spec(A_i^h)) / \Spec(A_i^h)$ which we dealt with above. \end{proof} \begin{lemma} \label{lemma-finite-etale-on-proper-over-henselian-pair} Let $(A, I)$ be a henselian pair. Let $X$ be a proper scheme over $A$. Set $X_0 = X \times_{\Spec(A)} \Spec(A/I)$. Then the functor $$ \textit{F\'Et}_X \to \textit{F\'Et}_{X_0},\quad U \longmapsto U_0 = U \times_X X_0 $$ is an equivalence of categories. \end{lemma} \begin{proof} The proof of this lemma is exactly the same as the proof of Lemma \ref{lemma-finite-etale-on-proper-over-henselian}. \medskip\noindent Essential surjectivity when $A$ is Noetherian and $I$-adically complete. Let $X_n = X \times_{\Spec(A)} \Spec(A/I^{n + 1})$. By \'Etale Morphisms, Theorem \ref{etale-theorem-remarkable-equivalence} the inclusions $$ X_0 \to X_1 \to X_2 \to \ldots $$ induce equivalence of categories between the category of schemes \'etale over $X_0$ and the category of schemes \'etale over $X_n$. Moreover, if $U_n \to X_n$ corresponds to a finite \'etale morphism $U_0 \to X_0$, then $U_n \to X_n$ is finite too, for example by More on Morphisms, Lemma \ref{more-morphisms-lemma-thicken-property-morphisms-cartesian}. In this case the morphism $U_0 \to \Spec(A/I)$ is proper as $X_0$ is proper over $A/I$. Thus we may apply Grothendieck's algebraization theorem (in the form of Cohomology of Schemes, Lemma \ref{coherent-lemma-algebraize-formal-scheme-finite-over-proper}) to see that there is a finite morphism $U \to X$ whose restriction to $X_0$ recovers $U_0$. By More on Morphisms, Lemma \ref{more-morphisms-lemma-check-smoothness-on-infinitesimal-nbhds} we see that $U \to X$ is \'etale at every point of $U_0$. However, since every point of $U$ specializes to a point of $U_0$ (as $U$ is proper over $A$), we conclude that $U \to X$ is \'etale. In this way we conclude the functor is essentially surjective. \medskip\noindent Fully faithfulness when $A$ is Noetherian and $I$-adically complete. Let $U \to X$ and $V \to X$ be finite \'etale morphisms and let $\varphi_0 : U_0 \to V_0$ be a morphism over $X_0$. Look at the morphism $$ \Gamma_{\varphi_0} : U_0 \longrightarrow U_0 \times_{X_0} V_0 $$ This morphism is both finite \'etale and a closed immersion. By essential surjectivity applied to $X = U \times_X V$ we find a finite \'etale morphism $W \to U \times_X V$ whose special fibre is isomorphic to $\Gamma_{\varphi_0}$. Consider the projection $W \to U$. It is finite \'etale and an isomorphism over $U_0$ by construction. By \'Etale Morphisms, Lemma \ref{etale-lemma-finite-etale-one-point} $W \to U$ is an isomorphism in an open neighbourhood of $U_0$. Thus it is an isomorphism and the composition $\varphi : U \cong W \to V$ is the desired lift of $\varphi_0$. \medskip\noindent Essential surjectivity when $(A, I)$ is a henselian pair and $A$ is a Noetherian G-ring. Let $U_0 \to X_0$ be a finite \'etale morphism. Let $A^\wedge$ be the completion of $A$ with respect to $I$. Observe that $A^\wedge$ is a Noetherian ring which is $IA^\wedge$-adically complete, see Algebra, Lemmas \ref{algebra-lemma-completion-complete} and \ref{algebra-lemma-completion-Noetherian-Noetherian}. Let $X^\wedge$ be the base change of $X$ to $A^\wedge$. By the result above there exists a finite \'etale morphism $V \to X^\wedge$ whose special fibre is $U_0$. Write $A^\wedge = \colim A_i$ with $A \to A_i$ of finite type. By Limits, Lemma \ref{limits-lemma-descend-finite-presentation} there exists an $i$ and a finitely presented morphism $U_i \to X_{A_i}$ whose base change to $X^\wedge$ is $V$. After increasing $i$ we may assume that $U_i \to X_{A_i}$ is finite and \'etale (Limits, Lemmas \ref{limits-lemma-descend-finite-finite-presentation} and \ref{limits-lemma-descend-etale}). Writing $$ A_i = A[x_1, \ldots, x_n]/(f_1, \ldots, f_m) $$ the ring map $A_i \to A^\wedge$ can be reinterpreted as a solution $(a_1, \ldots, a_n)$ in $A^\wedge$ for the system of equations $f_j = 0$. By Smoothing Ring Maps, Lemma \ref{smoothing-lemma-henselian-pair} we can approximate this solution (to order $11$ for example) by a solution $(b_1, \ldots, b_n)$ in $A$. Translating back we find an $A$-algebra map $A_i \to A$ which gives the same closed point as the original map $A_i \to A^\wedge$ (as $11 > 1$). The base change $U \to X$ of $V \to X_{A_i}$ by this ring map will therefore be a finite \'etale morphism whose special fibre is isomorphic to $U_0$. \medskip\noindent Fully faithfulness when $(A, I$ is a henselian pair and $A$ is a Noetherian G-ring. This can be deduced from essential surjectivity in exactly the same manner as was done in the case that $A$ is complete Noetherian. \medskip\noindent General case. Let $(A, I)$ be a henselian pair. Set $S = \Spec(A)$ and denote $S_0 = \Spec(A/I)$. By Limits, Lemma \ref{limits-lemma-proper-limit-of-proper-finite-presentation-noetherian} we can write $X \to \Spec(A)$ as a cofiltered limit of proper morphisms $X_i \to S_i$ with $S_i$ affine and of finite type over $\mathbf{Z}$. Write $S_i = \Spec(A_i)$ and denote $I_i \subset A_i$ the inverse image of $I$ by the map $A_i \to A$. Set $S_{i, 0} = \Spec(A_i/I_i)$. Since $S = \lim S_i$ we have $A = \colim A_i$. Thus we also have $I = \colim I_i$ and $A/I = \colim A_i/I_i$. The ring $A_i$ is a Noetherian G-ring (More on Algebra, Proposition \ref{more-algebra-proposition-ubiquity-G-ring}). Denote $(A_i^h, I_i^h)$ the henselization of the pair $(A_i, I_i)$. By More on Algebra, Lemma \ref{more-algebra-lemma-henselization-colimit} we see that $A = \colim A_i^h$. By More on Algebra, Lemma \ref{more-algebra-lemma-henselization-pair-G-ring} the rings $A_i^h$ are G-rings. Thus we see that $A = \colim A_i^h$ and $$ X = \lim (X_i \times_{S_i} \Spec(A_i^h)) $$ as schemes. The category of schemes finite \'etale over $X$ is the limit of the category of schemes finite \'etale over $X_i \times_{S_i} \Spec(A_i^h)$ (by Limits, Lemmas \ref{limits-lemma-descend-finite-presentation}, \ref{limits-lemma-descend-finite-finite-presentation}, and \ref{limits-lemma-descend-etale}) The same thing is true for schemes finite \'etale over $X_0 = \lim (X_i \times_{S_i} S_{i, 0})$. Thus we formally deduce the result for $X / \Spec(A)$ from the result for the $(X_i \times_{S_i} \Spec(A_i^h)) / \Spec(A_i^h)$ which we dealt with above. \end{proof} \begin{lemma} \label{lemma-finite-etale-invariant-over-proper} Let $k'/k$ be an extension of algebraically closed fields. Let $X$ be a proper scheme over $k$. Then the functor $$ U \longmapsto U_{k'} $$ is an equivalence of categories between schemes finite \'etale over $X$ and schemes finite \'etale over $X_{k'}$. \end{lemma} \begin{proof} Let us prove the functor is essentially surjective. Let $U' \to X_{k'}$ be a finite \'etale morphism. Write $k' = \colim A_i$ as a filtered colimit of finite type $k$-algebras. By Limits, Lemma \ref{limits-lemma-descend-finite-presentation} there exists an $i$ and a finitely presented morphism $U_i \to X_{A_i}$ whose base change to $X_{k'}$ is $U'$. After increasing $i$ we may assume that $U_i \to X_{A_i}$ is finite and \'etale (Limits, Lemmas \ref{limits-lemma-descend-finite-finite-presentation} and \ref{limits-lemma-descend-etale}). Since $k$ is algebraically closed we can find a $k$-valued point $t$ in $\Spec(A_i)$. Let $U = (U_i)_t$ be the fibre of $U_i$ over $t$. Let $A_i^h$ be the henselization of $(A_i)_{\mathfrak m}$ where $\mathfrak m$ is the maximal ideal corresponding to the point $t$. By Lemma \ref{lemma-finite-etale-on-proper-over-henselian} we see that $(U_i)_{A_i^h} = U \times \Spec(A_i^h)$ as schemes over $X_{A_i^h}$. Now since $A_i^h$ is algebraic over $A_i$ (see for example discussion in Smoothing Ring Maps, Example \ref{smoothing-example-describe-henselian}) and since $k'$ is algebraically closed we can find a ring map $A_i^h \to k'$ extending the given inclusion $A_i \subset k'$. Hence we conclude that $U'$ is isomorphic to the base change of $U$. The proof of fully faithfulness is exactly the same. \end{proof} \section{Local connectedness} \label{section-unibranch} \noindent In this section we ask when $\pi_1(U) \to \pi_1(X)$ is surjective for $U$ a dense open of a scheme $X$. We will see that this is the case (roughly) when $U \cap B$ is connected for any small ``ball'' $B$ around a point $x \in X \setminus U$. \begin{lemma} \label{lemma-dense-faithful} Let $f : X \to Y$ be a morphism of schemes. If $f(X)$ is dense in $Y$ then the base change functor $\textit{F\'Et}_Y \to \textit{F\'Et}_X$ is faithful. \end{lemma} \begin{proof} Since the category of finite \'etale coverings has an internal hom (Lemma \ref{lemma-internal-hom-finite-etale}) it suffices to prove the following: Given $W$ finite \'etale over $Y$ and a morphism $s : X \to W$ over $X$ there is at most one section $t : Y \to W$ such that $s = t \circ f$. Consider two sections $t_1, t_2 : Y \to W$ such that $s = t_1 \circ f = t_2 \circ f$. Since the equalizer of $t_1$ and $t_2$ is closed in $Y$ (Schemes, Lemma \ref{schemes-lemma-where-are-they-equal}) and since $f(X)$ is dense in $Y$ we see that $t_1$ and $t_2$ agree on $Y_{red}$. Then it follows that $t_1$ and $t_2$ have the same image which is an open and closed subscheme of $W$ mapping isomorphically to $Y$ (\'Etale Morphisms, Proposition \ref{etale-proposition-properties-sections}) hence they are equal. \end{proof} \noindent The condition in the following lemma that the punctured spectrum of the strict henselization is connected follows for example from the assumption that the local ring is geometrically unibranch, see More on Algebra, Lemma \ref{more-algebra-lemma-geometrically-unibranch}. There is a partial converse in Properties, Lemma \ref{properties-lemma-geometrically-unibranch}. \begin{lemma} \label{lemma-same-etale-extensions} Let $(A, \mathfrak m)$ be a local ring. Set $X = \Spec(A)$ and let $U = X \setminus \{\mathfrak m\}$. If the punctured spectrum of the strict henselization of $A$ is connected, then $$ \textit{F\'Et}_X \longrightarrow \textit{F\'Et}_U,\quad Y \longmapsto Y \times_X U $$ is a fully faithful functor. \end{lemma} \begin{proof} Assume $A$ is strictly henselian. In this case any finite \'etale cover $Y$ of $X$ is isomorphic to a finite disjoint union of copies of $X$. Thus it suffices to prove that any morphism $U \to U \amalg \ldots \amalg U$ over $U$, extends uniquely to a morphism $X \to X \amalg \ldots \amalg X$ over $X$. If $U$ is connected (in particular nonempty), then this is true. \medskip\noindent The general case. Since the category of finite \'etale coverings has an internal hom (Lemma \ref{lemma-internal-hom-finite-etale}) it suffices to prove the following: Given $Y$ finite \'etale over $X$ any morphism $s : U \to Y$ over $X$ extends to a morphism $t : X \to Y$ over $X$. Let $A^{sh}$ be the strict henselization of $A$ and denote $X^{sh} = \Spec(A^{sh})$, $U^{sh} = U \times_X X^{sh}$, $Y^{sh} = Y \times_X X^{sh}$. By the first paragraph and our assumption on $A$, we can extend the base change $s^{sh} : U^{sh} \to Y^{sh}$ of $s$ to $t^{sh} : X^{sh} \to Y^{sh}$. Set $A' = A^{sh} \otimes_A A^{sh}$. Then the two pullbacks $t'_1, t'_2$ of $t^{sh}$ to $X' = \Spec(A')$ are extensions of the pullback $s'$ of $s$ to $U' = U \times_X X'$. As $A \to A'$ is flat we see that $U' \subset X'$ is (topologically) dense by going down for $A \to A'$ (Algebra, Lemma \ref{algebra-lemma-flat-going-down}). Thus $t'_1 = t'_2$ by Lemma \ref{lemma-dense-faithful}. Hence $t^{sh}$ descends to a morphism $t : X \to Y$ for example by Descent, Lemma \ref{descent-lemma-fpqc-universal-effective-epimorphisms}. \end{proof} \noindent In view of Lemma \ref{lemma-same-etale-extensions} it is interesting to know when the punctured spectrum of a ring (and of its strict henselization) is connected. There is a famous lemma due to Hartshorne which gives a sufficient condition, see Local Cohomology, Lemma \ref{local-cohomology-lemma-depth-2-connected-punctured-spectrum}. \begin{lemma} \label{lemma-quasi-compact-dense-open-connected-at-infinity-Noetherian} Let $X$ be a scheme. Let $U \subset X$ be a dense open. Assume \begin{enumerate} \item the underlying topological space of $X$ is Noetherian, and \item for every $x \in X \setminus U$ the punctured spectrum of the strict henselization of $\mathcal{O}_{X, x}$ is connected. \end{enumerate} Then $\textit{F\'Et}_X \to \textit{F\'et}_U$ is fully faithful. \end{lemma} \begin{proof} Let $Y_1, Y_2$ be finite \'etale over $X$ and let $\varphi : (Y_1)_U \to (Y_2)_U$ be a morphism over $U$. We have to show that $\varphi$ lifts uniquely to a morphism $Y_1 \to Y_2$ over $X$. Uniqueness follows from Lemma \ref{lemma-dense-faithful}. \medskip\noindent Let $x \in X \setminus U$ be a generic point of an irreducible component of $X \setminus U$. Set $V = U \times_X \Spec(\mathcal{O}_{X, x})$. By our choice of $x$ this is the punctured spectrum of $\Spec(\mathcal{O}_{X, x})$. By Lemma \ref{lemma-same-etale-extensions} we can extend the morphism $\varphi_V : (Y_1)_V \to (Y_2)_V$ uniquely to a morphism $(Y_1)_{\Spec(\mathcal{O}_{X, x})} \to (Y_2)_{\Spec(\mathcal{O}_{X, x})}$. By Limits, Lemma \ref{limits-lemma-glueing-near-point} we find an open $U \subset U'$ containing $x$ and an extension $\varphi' : (Y_1)_{U'} \to (Y_2)_{U'}$ of $\varphi$. Since the underlying topological space of $X$ is Noetherian this finishes the proof by Noetherian induction on the complement of the open over which $\varphi$ is defined. \end{proof} \begin{lemma} \label{lemma-retrocompact-dense-open-connected-at-infinity-closed} Let $X$ be a scheme. Let $U \subset X$ be a dense open. Assume \begin{enumerate} \item $U \to X$ is quasi-compact, \item every point of $X \setminus U$ is closed, and \item for every $x \in X \setminus U$ the punctured spectrum of the strict henselization of $\mathcal{O}_{X, x}$ is connected. \end{enumerate} Then $\textit{F\'Et}_X \to \textit{F\'et}_U$ is fully faithful. \end{lemma} \begin{proof} Let $Y_1, Y_2$ be finite \'etale over $X$ and let $\varphi : (Y_1)_U \to (Y_2)_U$ be a morphism over $U$. We have to show that $\varphi$ lifts uniquely to a morphism $Y_1 \to Y_2$ over $X$. Uniqueness follows from Lemma \ref{lemma-dense-faithful}. \medskip\noindent Let $x \in X \setminus U$. Set $V = U \times_X \Spec(\mathcal{O}_{X, x})$. Since every point of $X \setminus U$ is closed $V$ is the punctured spectrum of $\Spec(\mathcal{O}_{X, x})$. By Lemma \ref{lemma-same-etale-extensions} we can extend the morphism $\varphi_V : (Y_1)_V \to (Y_2)_V$ uniquely to a morphism $(Y_1)_{\Spec(\mathcal{O}_{X, x})} \to (Y_2)_{\Spec(\mathcal{O}_{X, x})}$. By Limits, Lemma \ref{limits-lemma-glueing-near-point} (this uses that $U$ is retrocompact in $X$) we find an open $U \subset U'_x$ containing $x$ and an extension $\varphi'_x : (Y_1)_{U'_x} \to (Y_2)_{U'_x}$ of $\varphi$. Note that given two points $x, x' \in X \setminus U$ the morphisms $\varphi'_x$ and $\varphi'_{x'}$ agree over $U'_x \cap U'_{x'}$ as $U$ is dense in that open (Lemma \ref{lemma-dense-faithful}). Thus we can extend $\varphi$ to $\bigcup U'_x = X$ as desired. \end{proof} \begin{lemma} \label{lemma-quasi-compact-dense-open-connected-at-infinity} Let $X$ be a scheme. Let $U \subset X$ be a dense open. Assume \begin{enumerate} \item every quasi-compact open of $X$ has finitely many irreducible components, \item for every $x \in X \setminus U$ the punctured spectrum of the strict henselization of $\mathcal{O}_{X, x}$ is connected. \end{enumerate} Then $\textit{F\'Et}_X \to \textit{F\'et}_U$ is fully faithful. \end{lemma} \begin{proof} Let $Y_1, Y_2$ be finite \'etale over $X$ and let $\varphi : (Y_1)_U \to (Y_2)_U$ be a morphism over $U$. We have to show that $\varphi$ lifts uniquely to a morphism $Y_1 \to Y_2$ over $X$. Uniqueness follows from Lemma \ref{lemma-dense-faithful}. We will prove existence by showing that we can enlarge $U$ if $U \not = X$ and using Zorn's lemma to finish the proof. \medskip\noindent Let $x \in X \setminus U$ be a generic point of an irreducible component of $X \setminus U$. Set $V = U \times_X \Spec(\mathcal{O}_{X, x})$. By our choice of $x$ this is the punctured spectrum of $\Spec(\mathcal{O}_{X, x})$. By Lemma \ref{lemma-same-etale-extensions} we can extend the morphism $\varphi_V : (Y_1)_V \to (Y_2)_V$ (uniquely) to a morphism $(Y_1)_{\Spec(\mathcal{O}_{X, x})} \to (Y_2)_{\Spec(\mathcal{O}_{X, x})}$. Choose an affine neighbourhood $W \subset X$ of $x$. Since $U \cap W$ is dense in $W$ it contains the generic points $\eta_1, \ldots, \eta_n$ of $W$. Choose an affine open $W' \subset W \cap U$ containing $\eta_1, \ldots, \eta_n$. Set $V' = W' \times_X \Spec(\mathcal{O}_{X, x})$. By Limits, Lemma \ref{limits-lemma-glueing-near-point} applied to $x \in W \supset W'$ we find an open $W' \subset W'' \subset W$ with $x \in W''$ and a morphism $\varphi'' : (Y_1)_{W''} \to (Y_2)_{W''}$ agreeing with $\varphi$ over $W'$. Since $W'$ is dense in $W'' \cap U$, we see by Lemma \ref{lemma-dense-faithful} that $\varphi$ and $\varphi''$ agree over $U \cap W'$. Thus $\varphi$ and $\varphi''$ glue to a morphism $\varphi'$ over $U' = U \cup W''$ agreeing with $\varphi$ over $U$. Observe that $x \in U'$ so that we've extended $\varphi$ to a strictly larger open. \medskip\noindent Consider the set $\mathcal{S}$ of pairs $(U', \varphi')$ where $U \subset U'$ and $\varphi'$ is an extension of $\varphi$. We endow $\mathcal{S}$ with a partial ordering in the obvious manner. If $(U'_i, \varphi'_i)$ is a totally ordered subset, then it has a maximum $(U', \varphi')$. Just take $U' = \bigcup U'_i$ and let $\varphi' : (Y_1)_{U'} \to (Y_2)_{U'}$ be the morphism agreeing with $\varphi'_i$ over $U'_i$. Thus Zorn's lemma applies and $\mathcal{S}$ has a maximal element. By the argument above we see that this maximal element is an extension of $\varphi$ over all of $X$. \end{proof} \begin{lemma} \label{lemma-local-exact-sequence} Let $(A, \mathfrak m)$ be a local ring. Set $X = \Spec(A)$ and $U = X \setminus \{\mathfrak m\}$. Let $U^{sh}$ be the punctured spectrum of the strict henselization $A^{sh}$ of $A$. Assume $U$ is quasi-compact and $U^{sh}$ is connected. Then the sequence $$ \pi_1(U^{sh}, \overline{u}) \to \pi_1(U, \overline{u}) \to \pi_1(X, \overline{u}) \to 1 $$ is exact in the sense of Lemma \ref{lemma-functoriality-galois-ses} part (1). \end{lemma} \begin{proof} The map $\pi_1(U) \to \pi_1(X)$ is surjective by Lemmas \ref{lemma-same-etale-extensions} and \ref{lemma-functoriality-galois-surjective}. \medskip\noindent Write $X^{sh} = \Spec(A^{sh})$. Let $Y \to X$ be a finite \'etale morphism. Then $Y^{sh} = Y \times_X X^{sh} \to X^{sh}$ is a finite \'etale morphism. Since $A^{sh}$ is strictly henselian we see that $Y^{sh}$ is isomorphic to a disjoint union of copies of $X^{sh}$. Thus the same is true for $Y \times_X U^{sh}$. It follows that the composition $\pi_1(U^{sh}) \to \pi_1(U) \to \pi_1(X)$ is trivial, see Lemma \ref{lemma-composition-trivial}. \medskip\noindent To finish the proof, it suffices according to Lemma \ref{lemma-functoriality-galois-ses} to show the following: Given a finite \'etale morphism $V \to U$ such that $V \times_U U^{sh}$ is a disjoint union of copies of $U^{sh}$, we can find a finite \'etale morphism $Y \to X$ with $V \cong Y \times_X U$ over $U$. The assumption implies that there exists a finite \'etale morphism $Y^{sh} \to X^{sh}$ and an isomorphism $V \times_U U^{sh} \cong Y^{sh} \times_{X^{sh}} U^{sh}$. Consider the following diagram $$ \xymatrix{ U \ar[d] & U^{sh} \ar[d] \ar[l] & U^{sh} \times_U U^{sh} \ar[d] \ar@<1ex>[l] \ar@<-1ex>[l] & U^{sh} \times_U U^{sh} \times_U U^{sh} \ar[d] \ar@<1ex>[l] \ar[l] \ar@<-1ex>[l] \\ X & X^{sh} \ar[l] & X^{sh} \times_X X^{sh} \ar@<1ex>[l] \ar@<-1ex>[l] & X^{sh} \times_X X^{sh} \times_X X^{sh} \ar@<1ex>[l] \ar[l] \ar@<-1ex>[l] } $$ Since $U \subset X$ is quasi-compact by assumption, all the downward arrows are quasi-compact open immersions. Let $\xi \in X^{sh} \times_X X^{sh}$ be a point not in $U^{sh} \times_U U^{sh}$. Then $\xi$ lies over the closed point $x^{sh}$ of $X^{sh}$. Consider the local ring homomorphism $$ A^{sh} = \mathcal{O}_{X^{sh}, x^{sh}} \to \mathcal{O}_{X^{sh} \times_X X^{sh}, \xi} $$ determined by the first projection $X^{sh} \times_X X^{sh}$. This is a filtered colimit of local homomorphisms which are localizations \'etale ring maps. Since $A^{sh}$ is strictly henselian, we conclude that it is an isomorphism. Since this holds for every $\xi$ in the complement it follows there are no specializations among these points and hence every such $\xi$ is a closed point (you can also prove this directly). As the local ring at $\xi$ is isomorphic to $A^{sh}$, it is strictly henselian and has connected punctured spectrum. Similarly for points $\xi$ of $X^{sh} \times_X X^{sh} \times_X X^{sh}$ not in $U^{sh} \times_U U^{sh} \times_U U^{sh}$. It follows from Lemma \ref{lemma-retrocompact-dense-open-connected-at-infinity-closed} that pullback along the vertical arrows induce fully faithful functors on the categories of finite \'etale schemes. Thus the canonical descent datum on $V \times_U U^{sh}$ relative to the fpqc covering $\{U^{sh} \to U\}$ translates into a descent datum for $Y^{sh}$ relative to the fpqc covering $\{X^{sh} \to X\}$. Since $Y^{sh} \to X^{sh}$ is finite hence affine, this descent datum is effective (Descent, Lemma \ref{descent-lemma-affine}). Thus we get an affine morphism $Y \to X$ and an isomorphism $Y \times_X X^{sh} \to Y^{sh}$ compatible with descent data. By fully faithfulness of descent data (as in Descent, Lemma \ref{descent-lemma-refine-coverings-fully-faithful}) we get an isomorphism $V \to U \times_X Y$. Finally, $Y \to X$ is finite \'etale as $Y^{sh} \to X^{sh}$ is, see Descent, Lemmas \ref{descent-lemma-descending-property-etale} and \ref{descent-lemma-descending-property-finite}. \end{proof} \noindent Let $X$ be an irreducible scheme. Let $\eta \in X$ be the generic point. The canonical morphism $\eta \to X$ induces a canonical map \begin{equation} \label{equation-inclusion-generic-point} \text{Gal}(\kappa(\eta)^{sep}/\kappa(\eta)) = \pi_1(\eta, \overline{\eta}) \longrightarrow \pi_1(X, \overline{\eta}) \end{equation} The identification on the left hand side is Lemma \ref{lemma-fundamental-group-Galois-group}. \begin{lemma} \label{lemma-irreducible-geometrically-unibranch} Let $X$ be an irreducible, geometrically unibranch scheme. For any nonempty open $U \subset X$ the canonical map $$ \pi_1(U, \overline{u}) \longrightarrow \pi_1(X, \overline{u}) $$ is surjective. The map (\ref{equation-inclusion-generic-point}) $\pi_1(\eta, \overline{\eta}) \to \pi_1(X, \overline{\eta})$ is surjective as well. \end{lemma} \begin{proof} By Lemma \ref{lemma-thickening} we may replace $X$ by its reduction. Thus we may assume that $X$ is an integral scheme. By Lemma \ref{lemma-functoriality-galois-surjective} the assertion of the lemma translates into the statement that the functors $\textit{F\'Et}_X \to \textit{F\'Et}_U$ and $\textit{F\'Et}_X \to \textit{F\'Et}_\eta$ are fully faithful. \medskip\noindent The result for $\textit{F\'Et}_X \to \textit{F\'Et}_U$ follows from Lemma \ref{lemma-quasi-compact-dense-open-connected-at-infinity} and the fact that for a local ring $A$ which is geometrically unibranch its strict henselization has an irreducible spectrum. See More on Algebra, Lemma \ref{more-algebra-lemma-geometrically-unibranch}. \medskip\noindent Observe that the residue field $\kappa(\eta) = \mathcal{O}_{X, \eta}$ is the filtered colimit of $\mathcal{O}_X(U)$ over $U \subset X$ nonempty open affine. Hence $\textit{F\'Et}_\eta$ is the colimit of the categories $\textit{F\'Et}_U$ over such $U$, see Limits, Lemmas \ref{limits-lemma-descend-finite-presentation}, \ref{limits-lemma-descend-finite-finite-presentation}, and \ref{limits-lemma-descend-etale}. A formal argument then shows that fully faithfulness for $\textit{F\'Et}_X \to \textit{F\'Et}_\eta$ follows from the fully faithfulness of the functors $\textit{F\'Et}_X \to \textit{F\'Et}_U$. \end{proof} \begin{lemma} \label{lemma-exact-sequence-finite-nr-closed-pts} Let $X$ be a scheme. Let $x_1, \ldots, x_n \in X$ be a finite number of closed points such that \begin{enumerate} \item $U = X \setminus \{x_1, \ldots, x_n\}$ is connected and is a retrocompact open of $X$, and \item for each $i$ the punctured spectrum $U_i^{sh}$ of the strict henselization of $\mathcal{O}_{X, x_i}$ is connected. \end{enumerate} Then the map $\pi_1(U) \to \pi_1(X)$ is surjective and the kernel is the smallest closed normal subgroup of $\pi_1(U)$ containing the image of $\pi_1(U_i^{sh}) \to \pi_1(U)$ for $i = 1, \ldots, n$. \end{lemma} \begin{proof} Surjectivity follows from Lemmas \ref{lemma-retrocompact-dense-open-connected-at-infinity-closed} and \ref{lemma-functoriality-galois-surjective}. We can consider the sequence of maps $$ \pi_1(U) \to \ldots \to \pi_1(X \setminus \{x_1, x_2\}) \to \pi_1(X \setminus \{x_1\}) \to \pi_1(X) $$ A group theory argument then shows it suffices to prove the statement on the kernel in the case $n = 1$ (details omitted). Write $x = x_1$, $U^{sh} = U_1^{sh}$, set $A = \mathcal{O}_{X, x}$, and let $A^{sh}$ be the strict henselization. Consider the diagram $$ \xymatrix{ U \ar[d] & \Spec(A) \setminus \{\mathfrak m\} \ar[l] \ar[d] & U^{sh} \ar[d] \ar[l] \\ X & \Spec(A) \ar[l] & \Spec(A^{sh}) \ar[l] } $$ By Lemma \ref{lemma-functoriality-galois-ses} we have to show finite \'etale morphisms $V \to U$ which pull back to trivial coverings of $U^{sh}$ extend to finite \'etale schemes over $X$. By Lemma \ref{lemma-local-exact-sequence} we know the corresponding statement for finite \'etale schemes over the punctured spectrum of $A$. However, by Limits, Lemma \ref{limits-lemma-glueing-near-closed-point} schemes of finite presentation over $X$ are the same thing as schemes of finite presentation over $U$ and $A$ glued over the punctured spectrum of $A$. This finishes the proof. \end{proof} \section{Fundamental groups of normal schemes} \label{section-normal} \noindent Let $X$ be an integral, geometrically unibranch scheme. In the previous section we have seen that the fundamental group of $X$ is a quotient of the Galois group of the function field $K$ of $X$. Since the map is continuous the kernel is a normal closed subgroup of the Galois group. Hence this kernel corresponds to a Galois extension $M/K$ by Galois theory (Fields, Theorem \ref{fields-theorem-inifinite-galois-theory}). In this section we will determine $M$ when $X$ is a normal integral scheme. \medskip\noindent Let $X$ be an integral normal scheme with function field $K$. Let $L/K$ be a finite extension. Consider the normalization $Y \to X$ of $X$ in the morphism $\Spec(L) \to X$ as defined in Morphisms, Section \ref{morphisms-section-normalization-X-in-Y}. We will say (in this setting) that {\it $X$ is unramified in $L$} if $Y \to X$ is an unramified morphism of schemes. In Lemma \ref{lemma-unramified} we will elucidate this condition. Observe that the scheme theoretic fibre of $Y \to X$ over $\Spec(K)$ is $\Spec(L)$. Hence the field extension $L/K$ is separable if $X$ is unramified in $L$, see Morphisms, Lemmas \ref{morphisms-lemma-unramified-over-field}. \begin{lemma} \label{lemma-unramified-in-L} In the situation above the following are equivalent \begin{enumerate} \item $X$ is unramified in $L$, \item $Y \to X$ is \'etale, and \item $Y \to X$ is finite \'etale. \end{enumerate} \end{lemma} \begin{proof} Observe that $Y \to X$ is an integral morphism. In each case the morphism $Y \to X$ is locally of finite type by definition. Hence we find that in each case $Y \to X$ is finite by Morphisms, Lemma \ref{morphisms-lemma-finite-integral}. In particular we see that (2) is equivalent to (3). An \'etale morphism is unramified, hence (2) implies (1). \medskip\noindent Conversely, assume $Y \to X$ is unramified. Since a normal scheme is geometrically unibranch (Properties, Lemma \ref{properties-lemma-normal-geometrically-unibranch}), we see that the morphism $Y \to X$ is \'etale by More on Morphisms, Lemma \ref{more-morphisms-lemma-global-unramified-dominant-unibranch-is-etale}. We also give a direct proof in the next paragraph. \medskip\noindent Let $x \in X$. We can choose an \'etale neighbourhood $(U, u) \to (X, x)$ such that $$ Y \times_X U = \coprod V_j \longrightarrow U $$ is a disjoint union of closed immersions, see \'Etale Morphisms, Lemma \ref{etale-lemma-finite-unramified-etale-local}. Shrinking we may assume $U$ is quasi-compact. Then $U$ has finitely many irreducible components (Descent, Lemma \ref{descent-lemma-locally-finite-nr-irred-local-fppf}). Since $U$ is normal (Descent, Lemma \ref{descent-lemma-normal-local-smooth}) the irreducible components of $U$ are open and closed (Properties, Lemma \ref{properties-lemma-normal-locally-finite-nr-irreducibles}) and we may assume $U$ is irreducible. Then $U$ is an integral scheme whose generic point $\xi$ maps to the generic point of $X$. On the other hand, we know that $Y \times_X U$ is the normalization of $U$ in $\Spec(L) \times_X U$ by More on Morphisms, Lemma \ref{more-morphisms-lemma-normalization-smooth-localization}. Every point of $\Spec(L) \times_X U$ maps to $\xi$. Thus every $V_j$ contains a point mapping to $\xi$ by Morphisms, Lemma \ref{morphisms-lemma-normalization-generic}. Thus $V_j \to U$ is an isomorphism as $U = \overline{\{\xi\}}$. Thus $Y \times_X U \to U$ is \'etale. By Descent, Lemma \ref{descent-lemma-descending-property-etale} we conclude that $Y \to X$ is \'etale over the image of $U \to X$ (an open neighbourhood of $x$). \end{proof} \begin{lemma} \label{lemma-finite-etale-covering-normal-unramified} Let $X$ be a normal integral scheme with function field $K$. Let $Y \to X$ be a finite \'etale morphism. If $Y$ is connected, then $Y$ is an integral normal scheme and $Y$ is the normalization of $X$ in the function field of $Y$. \end{lemma} \begin{proof} The scheme $Y$ is normal by Descent, Lemma \ref{descent-lemma-normal-local-smooth}. Since $Y \to X$ is flat every generic point of $Y$ maps to the generic point of $X$ by Morphisms, Lemma \ref{morphisms-lemma-generalizations-lift-flat}. Since $Y \to X$ is finite we see that $Y$ has a finite number of irreducible components. Thus $Y$ is the disjoint union of a finite number of integral normal schemes by Properties, Lemma \ref{properties-lemma-normal-locally-finite-nr-irreducibles}. Thus if $Y$ is connected, then $Y$ is an integral normal scheme. \medskip\noindent Let $L$ be the function field of $Y$ and let $Y' \to X$ be the normalization of $X$ in $L$. By Morphisms, Lemma \ref{morphisms-lemma-characterize-normalization} we obtain a factorization $Y' \to Y \to X$ and $Y' \to Y$ is the normalization of $Y$ in $L$. Since $Y$ is normal it is clear that $Y' = Y$ (this can also be deduced from Morphisms, Lemma \ref{morphisms-lemma-finite-birational-over-normal}). \end{proof} \begin{proposition} \label{proposition-normal} Let $X$ be a normal integral scheme with function field $K$. Then the canonical map (\ref{equation-inclusion-generic-point}) $$ \text{Gal}(K^{sep}/K) = \pi_1(\eta, \overline{\eta}) \longrightarrow \pi_1(X, \overline{\eta}) $$ is identified with the quotient map $\text{Gal}(K^{sep}/K) \to \text{Gal}(M/K)$ where $M \subset K^{sep}$ is the union of the finite subextensions $L$ such that $X$ is unramified in $L$. \end{proposition} \begin{proof} The normal scheme $X$ is geometrically unibranch (Properties, Lemma \ref{properties-lemma-normal-geometrically-unibranch}). Hence Lemma \ref{lemma-irreducible-geometrically-unibranch} applies to $X$. Thus $\pi_1(\eta, \overline{\eta}) \to \pi_1(X, \overline{\eta})$ is surjective and top horizontal arrow of the commutative diagram $$ \xymatrix{ \textit{F\'Et}_X \ar[r] \ar[d] \ar[rd]_c & \textit{F\'Et}_\eta \ar[d] \\ \textit{Finite-}\pi_1(X, \overline{\eta})\textit{-sets} \ar[r] & \textit{Finite-}\text{Gal}(K^{sep}/K)\textit{-sets} } $$ is fully faithful. The left vertical arrow is the equivalence of Theorem \ref{theorem-fundamental-group} and the right vertical arrow is the equivalence of Lemma \ref{lemma-fundamental-group-Galois-group}. The lower horizontal arrow is induced by the map of the proposition. By Lemmas \ref{lemma-unramified-in-L} and \ref{lemma-finite-etale-covering-normal-unramified} we see that the essential image of $c$ consists of $\text{Gal}(K^{sep}/K)\textit{-Sets}$ isomorphic to sets of the form $$ S = \Hom_K(\prod\nolimits_{i = 1, \ldots, n} L_i, K^{sep}) = \coprod\nolimits_{i = 1, \ldots, n} \Hom_K(L_i, K^{sep}) $$ with $L_i/K$ finite separable such that $X$ is unramified in $L_i$. Thus if $M \subset K^{sep}$ is as in the statement of the lemma, then $\text{Gal}(K^{sep}/M)$ is exactly the subgroup of $\text{Gal}(K^{sep}/K)$ acting trivially on every object in the essential image of $c$. On the other hand, the essential image of $c$ is exactly the category of $S$ such that the $\text{Gal}(K^{sep}/K)$-action factors through the surjection $\text{Gal}(K^{sep}/K) \to \pi_1(X, \overline{\eta})$. We conclude that $\text{Gal}(K^{sep}/M)$ is the kernel. Hence $\text{Gal}(K^{sep}/M)$ is a normal subgroup, $M/K$ is Galois, and we have a short exact sequence $$ 1 \to \text{Gal}(K^{sep}/M) \to \text{Gal}(K^{sep}/K) \to \text{Gal}(M/K) \to 1 $$ by Galois theory (Fields, Theorem \ref{fields-theorem-inifinite-galois-theory} and Lemma \ref{fields-lemma-ses-infinite-galois}). The proof is done. \end{proof} \begin{lemma} \label{lemma-local-exact-sequence-normal} Let $(A, \mathfrak m)$ be a normal local ring. Set $X = \Spec(A)$. Let $A^{sh}$ be the strict henselization of $A$. Let $K$ and $K^{sh}$ be the fraction fields of $A$ and $A^{sh}$. Then the sequence $$ \pi_1(\Spec(K^{sh})) \to \pi_1(\Spec(K)) \to \pi_1(X) \to 1 $$ is exact in the sense of Lemma \ref{lemma-functoriality-galois-ses} part (1). \end{lemma} \begin{proof} Note that $A^{sh}$ is a normal domain, see More on Algebra, Lemma \ref{more-algebra-lemma-henselization-normal}. The map $\pi_1(\Spec(K)) \to \pi_1(X)$ is surjective by Proposition \ref{proposition-normal}. \medskip\noindent Write $X^{sh} = \Spec(A^{sh})$. Let $Y \to X$ be a finite \'etale morphism. Then $Y^{sh} = Y \times_X X^{sh} \to X^{sh}$ is a finite \'etale morphism. Since $A^{sh}$ is strictly henselian we see that $Y^{sh}$ is isomorphic to a disjoint union of copies of $X^{sh}$. Thus the same is true for $Y \times_X \Spec(K^{sh})$. It follows that the composition $\pi_1(\Spec(K^{sh})) \to \pi_1(X)$ is trivial, see Lemma \ref{lemma-composition-trivial}. \medskip\noindent To finish the proof, it suffices according to Lemma \ref{lemma-functoriality-galois-ses} to show the following: Given a finite \'etale morphism $V \to \Spec(K)$ such that $V \times_{\Spec(K)} \Spec(K^{sh})$ is a disjoint union of copies of $\Spec(K^{sh})$, we can find a finite \'etale morphism $Y \to X$ with $V \cong Y \times_X \Spec(K)$ over $\Spec(K)$. Write $V = \Spec(L)$, so $L$ is a finite product of finite separable extensions of $K$. Let $B \subset L$ be the integral closure of $A$ in $L$. If $A \to B$ is \'etale, then we can take $Y = \Spec(B)$ and the proof is complete. By Algebra, Lemma \ref{algebra-lemma-integral-closure-commutes-smooth} (and a limit argument we omit) we see that $B \otimes_A A^{sh}$ is the integral closure of $A^{sh}$ in $L^{sh} = L \otimes_K K^{sh}$. Our assumption is that $L^{sh}$ is a product of copies of $K^{sh}$ and hence $B^{sh}$ is a product of copies of $A^{sh}$. Thus $A^{sh} \to B^{sh}$ is \'etale. As $A \to A^{sh}$ is faithfully flat it follows that $A \to B$ is \'etale (Descent, Lemma \ref{descent-lemma-descending-property-etale}) as desired. \end{proof} \section{Group actions and integral closure} \label{section-group-actions-integral} \noindent In this section we continue the discussion of More on Algebra, Section \ref{more-algebra-section-group-actions-integral}. Recall that a normal local ring is a domain by definition. \begin{lemma} \label{lemma-get-algebraic-closure} Let $A$ be a normal domain whose fraction field $K$ is separably algebraically closed. Let $\mathfrak p \subset A$ be a nonzero prime ideal. Then the residue field $\kappa(\mathfrak p)$ is algebraically closed. \end{lemma} \begin{proof} Assume the lemma is not true to get a contradiction. Then there exists a monic irreducible polynomial $P(T) \in \kappa(\mathfrak p)[T]$ of degree $d > 1$. After replacing $P$ by $a^d P(a^{-1}T)$ for suitable $a \in A$ (to clear denominators) we may assume that $P$ is the image of a monic polynomial $Q$ in $A[T]$. Observe that $Q$ is irreducible in $K[T]$. Namely a factorization over $K$ leads to a factorization over $A$ by Algebra, Lemma \ref{algebra-lemma-polynomials-divide} which we could reduce modulo $\mathfrak p$ to get a factorization of $P$. As $K$ is separably closed, $Q$ is not a separable polynomial (Fields, Definition \ref{fields-definition-separable}). Then the characteristic of $K$ is $p > 0$ and $Q$ has vanishing linear term (Fields, Definition \ref{fields-definition-separable}). However, then we can replace $Q$ by $Q + a T$ where $a \in \mathfrak p$ is nonzero to get a contradiction. \end{proof} \begin{lemma} \label{lemma-normal-local-domain-separablly-closed-fraction-field} A normal local ring with separably closed fraction field is strictly henselian. \end{lemma} \begin{proof} Let $(A, \mathfrak m, \kappa)$ be normal local with separably closed fraction field $K$. If $A = K$, then we are done. If not, then the residue field $\kappa$ is algebraically closed by Lemma \ref{lemma-get-algebraic-closure} and it suffices to check that $A$ is henselian. Let $f \in A[T]$ be monic and let $a_0 \in \kappa$ be a root of multiplicity $1$ of the reduction $\overline{f} \in \kappa[T]$. Let $f = \prod f_i$ be the factorization in $K[T]$. By Algebra, Lemma \ref{algebra-lemma-polynomials-divide} we have $f_i \in A[T]$. Thus $a_0$ is a root of $f_i$ for some $i$. After replacing $f$ by $f_i$ we may assume $f$ is irreducible. Then, since the derivative $f'$ cannot be zero in $A[T]$ as $a_0$ is a single root, we conclude that $f$ is linear due to the fact that $K$ is separably algebraically closed. Thus $A$ is henselian, see Algebra, Definition \ref{algebra-definition-henselian}. \end{proof} \begin{lemma} \label{lemma-inertia-base-change} Let $G$ be a finite group acting on a ring $R$. Let $R^G \to A$ be a ring map. Let $\mathfrak q' \subset A \otimes_{R^G} R$ be a prime lying over the prime $\mathfrak q \subset R$. Then $$ I_\mathfrak q = \{\sigma \in G \mid \sigma(\mathfrak q) = \mathfrak q\text{ and } \sigma \bmod \mathfrak q = \text{id}_{\kappa(\mathfrak q)}\} $$ is equal to $$ I_{\mathfrak q'} = \{\sigma \in G \mid \sigma(\mathfrak q') = \mathfrak q'\text{ and } \sigma \bmod \mathfrak q' = \text{id}_{\kappa(\mathfrak q')}\} $$ \end{lemma} \begin{proof} Since $\mathfrak q$ is the inverse image of $\mathfrak q'$ and since $\kappa(\mathfrak q) \subset \kappa(\mathfrak q')$, we get $I_{\mathfrak q'} \subset I_\mathfrak q$. Conversely, if $\sigma \in I_\mathfrak q$, the $\sigma$ acts trivially on the fibre ring $A \otimes_{R^G} \kappa(\mathfrak q)$. Thus $\sigma$ fixes all the primes lying over $\mathfrak q$ and induces the identity on their residue fields. \end{proof} \begin{lemma} \label{lemma-inertia-invariants-etale} Let $G$ be a finite group acting on a ring $R$. Let $\mathfrak q \subset R$ be a prime. Set $$ I = \{\sigma \in G \mid \sigma(\mathfrak q) = \mathfrak q \text{ and } \sigma \bmod \mathfrak q = \text{id}_\mathfrak q\} $$ Then $R^G \to R^I$ is \'etale at $R^I \cap \mathfrak q$. \end{lemma} \begin{proof} The strategy of the proof is to use \'etale localization to reduce to the case where $R \to R^I$ is a local isomorphism at $R^I \cap \mathfrak p$. Let $R^G \to A$ be an \'etale ring map. We claim that if the result holds for the action of $G$ on $A \otimes_{R^G} R$ and some prime $\mathfrak q'$ of $A \otimes_{R^G} R$ lying over $\mathfrak q$, then the result is true. \medskip\noindent To check this, note that since $R^G \to A$ is flat we have $A = (A \otimes_{R^G} R)^G$, see More on Algebra, Lemma \ref{more-algebra-lemma-base-change-invariants}. By Lemma \ref{lemma-inertia-base-change} the group $I$ does not change. Then a second application of More on Algebra, Lemma \ref{more-algebra-lemma-base-change-invariants} shows that $A \otimes_{R^G} R^I = (A \otimes_{R^G} R)^I$ (because $R^I \to A \otimes_{R^G} R^I$ is flat). Thus $$ \xymatrix{ \Spec((A \otimes_{R^G} R)^I) \ar[d] \ar[r] & \Spec(R^I) \ar[d] \\ \Spec(A) \ar[r] & \Spec(R^G) } $$ is cartesian and the horizontal arrows are \'etale. Thus if the left vertical arrow is \'etale in some open neighbourhood $W$ of $(A \otimes_{R^G} R)^I \cap \mathfrak q'$, then the right vertical arrow is \'etale at the points of the (open) image of $W$ in $\Spec(R^I)$, see Descent, Lemma \ref{descent-lemma-smooth-permanence}. In particular the morphism $\Spec(R^I) \to \Spec(R^G)$ is \'etale at $R^I \cap \mathfrak q$. \medskip\noindent Let $\mathfrak p = R^G \cap \mathfrak q$. By More on Algebra, Lemma \ref{more-algebra-lemma-one-orbit} the fibre of $\Spec(R) \to \Spec(R^G)$ over $\mathfrak p$ is finite. Moreover the residue field extensions at these points are algebraic, normal, with finite automorphism groups by More on Algebra, Lemma \ref{more-algebra-lemma-one-orbit-geometric}. Thus we may apply More on Morphisms, Lemma \ref{more-morphisms-lemma-etale-makes-integral-split} to the integral ring map $R^G \to R$ and the prime $\mathfrak p$. Combined with the claim above we reduce to the case where $R = A_1 \times \ldots \times A_n$ with each $A_i$ having a single prime $\mathfrak q_i$ lying over $\mathfrak p$ such that the residue field extensions $\kappa(\mathfrak q_i)/\kappa(\mathfrak p)$ are purely inseparable. Of course $\mathfrak q$ is one of these primes, say $\mathfrak q = \mathfrak q_1$. \medskip\noindent It may not be the case that $G$ permutes the factors $A_i$ (this would be true if the spectrum of $A_i$ were connected, for example if $R^G$ was local). This we can fix as follows; we suggest the reader think this through for themselves, perhaps using idempotents instead of topology. Recall that the product decomposition gives a corresponding disjoint union decomposition of $\Spec(R)$ by open and closed subsets $U_i$. Since $G$ is finite, we can refine this covering by a finite disjoint union decomposition $\Spec(R) = \coprod_{j \in J} W_j$ by open and closed subsets $W_j$, such that for all $j \in J$ there exists a $j' \in J$ with $\sigma(W_j) = W_{j'}$. The union of the $W_j$ not meeting $\{\mathfrak q_1, \ldots, \mathfrak q_n\}$ is a closed subset not meeting the fibre over $\mathfrak p$ hence maps to a closed subset of $\Spec(R^G)$ not meeting $\mathfrak p$ as $\Spec(R) \to \Spec(R^G)$ is closed. Hence after replacing $R^G$ by a principal localization (permissible by the claim) we may assume each $W_j$ meets one of the points $\mathfrak q_i$. Then we set $U_i = W_j$ if $\mathfrak q_i \in W_j$. The corresponding product decomposition $R = A_1 \times \ldots \times A_n$ is one where $G$ permutes the factors $A_i$. \medskip\noindent Thus we may assume we have a product decomposition $R = A_1 \times \ldots \times A_n$ compatible with $G$-action, where each $A_i$ has a single prime $\mathfrak q_i$ lying over $\mathfrak p$ and the field extensions $\kappa(\mathfrak q_i)/\kappa(\mathfrak p)$ are purely inseparable. Write $A' = A_2 \times \ldots \times A_n$ so that $$ R = A_1 \times A' $$ Since $\mathfrak q = \mathfrak q_1$ we find that every $\sigma \in I$ preserves the product decomposition above. Hence $$ R^I = (A_1)^I \times (A')^I $$ Observe that $I = D = \{\sigma \in G \mid \sigma(\mathfrak q) = \mathfrak q\}$ because $\kappa(\mathfrak q)/\kappa(\mathfrak p)$ is purely inseparable. Since the action of $G$ on primes over $\mathfrak p$ is transitive (More on Algebra, Lemma \ref{more-algebra-lemma-one-orbit}) we conclude that, the index of $I$ in $G$ is $n$ and we can write $G = eI \amalg \sigma_2I \amalg \ldots \amalg \sigma_nI$ so that $A_i = \sigma_i(A_1)$ for $i = 2, \ldots, n$. It follows that $$ R^G = (A_1)^I. $$ Thus the map $R^G \to R^I$ is \'etale at $R^I \cap \mathfrak q$ and the proof is complete. \end{proof} \noindent The following lemma generalizes More on Algebra, Lemma \ref{more-algebra-lemma-inertial-invariants-unramified}. \begin{lemma} \label{lemma-inertial-invariants-unramified} Let $A$ be a normal domain with fraction field $K$. Let $L/K$ be a (possibly infinite) Galois extension. Let $G = \text{Gal}(L/K)$ and let $B$ be the integral closure of $A$ in $L$. Let $\mathfrak q \subset B$. Set $$ I = \{\sigma \in G \mid \sigma(\mathfrak q) = \mathfrak q \text{ and } \sigma \bmod \mathfrak q = \text{id}_{\kappa(\mathfrak q)}\} $$ Then $(B^I)_{B^I \cap \mathfrak q}$ is a filtered colimit of \'etale $A$-algebras. \end{lemma} \begin{proof} We can write $L$ as the filtered colimit of finite Galois extensions of $K$. Hence it suffices to prove this lemma in case $L/K$ is a finite Galois extension, see Algebra, Lemma \ref{algebra-lemma-colimit-colimit-etale}. Since $A = B^G$ as $A$ is integrally closed in $K = L^G$ the result follows from Lemma \ref{lemma-inertia-invariants-etale}. \end{proof} \section{Ramification theory} \label{section-ramification} \noindent In this section we continue the discussion of More on Algebra, Section \ref{more-algebra-section-ramification} and we relate it to our discussion of the fundamental groups of schemes. \medskip\noindent Let $(A, \mathfrak m, \kappa)$ be a normal local ring with fraction field $K$. Choose a separable algebraic closure $K^{sep}$. Let $A^{sep}$ be the integral closure of $A$ in $K^{sep}$. Choose maximal ideal $\mathfrak m^{sep} \subset A^{sep}$. Let $A \subset A^h \subset A^{sh}$ be the henselization and strict henselization. Observe that $A^h$ and $A^{sh}$ are normal rings as well (More on Algebra, Lemma \ref{more-algebra-lemma-henselization-normal}). Denote $K^h$ and $K^{sh}$ their fraction fields. Since $(A^{sep})_{\mathfrak m^{sep}}$ is strictly henselian by Lemma \ref{lemma-normal-local-domain-separablly-closed-fraction-field} we can choose an $A$-algebra map $A^{sh} \to (A^{sep})_{\mathfrak m^{sep}}$. Namely, first choose a $\kappa$-embedding\footnote{This is possible because $\kappa(\mathfrak m^{sh})$ is a separable algebraic closure of $\kappa$ and $\kappa(\mathfrak m^{sep})$ is an algebraic closure of $\kappa$ by Lemma \ref{lemma-get-algebraic-closure}.} $\kappa(\mathfrak m^{sh}) \to \kappa(\mathfrak m^{sep})$ and then extend (uniquely) to an $A$-algebra homomorphism by Algebra, Lemma \ref{algebra-lemma-strictly-henselian-functorial}. We get the following diagram $$ \xymatrix{ K^{sep} & K^{sh} \ar[l] & K^h \ar[l] & K \ar[l] \\ (A^{sep})_{\mathfrak m^{sep}} \ar[u] & A^{sh} \ar[u] \ar[l] & A^h \ar[u] \ar[l] & A \ar[u] \ar[l] } $$ We can take the fundamental groups of the spectra of these rings. Of course, since $K^{sep}$, $(A^{sep})_{\mathfrak m^{sep}}$, and $A^{sh}$ are strictly henselian, for them we obtain trivial groups. Thus the interesting part is the following \begin{equation} \label{equation-inertia-diagram-pione} \vcenter{ \xymatrix{ \pi_1(U^{sh}) \ar[r] \ar[rd]_1 & \pi_1(U^h) \ar[d] \ar[r] & \pi_1(U) \ar[d] \\ & \pi_1(X^h) \ar[r] & \pi_1(X) } } \end{equation} Here $X^h$ and $X$ are the spectra of $A^h$ and $A$ and $U^{sh}$, $U^h$, $U$ are the spectra of $K^{sh}$, $K^h$, and $K$. The label $1$ means that the map is trivial; this follows as it factors through the trivial group $\pi_1(X^{sh})$. On the other hand, the profinite group $G = \text{Gal}(K^{sep}/K)$ acts on $A^{sep}$ and we can make the following definitions $$ D = \{\sigma \in G \mid \sigma(\mathfrak m^{sep}) = \mathfrak m^{sep}\} \supset I = \{\sigma \in D \mid \sigma \bmod \mathfrak m^{sep} = \text{id}_{\kappa(\mathfrak m^{sep})}\} $$ These groups are sometimes called the {\it decomposition group} and the {\it inertia group} especially when $A$ is a discrete valuation ring. \begin{lemma} \label{lemma-identify-inertia} In the situation described above, via the isomorphism $\pi_1(U) = \text{Gal}(K^{sep}/K)$ the diagram (\ref{equation-inertia-diagram-pione}) translates into the diagram $$ \xymatrix{ I \ar[r] \ar[rd]_1 & D \ar[d] \ar[r] & \text{Gal}(K^{sep}/K) \ar[d] \\ & \text{Gal}(\kappa(\mathfrak m^{sh})/\kappa) \ar[r] & \text{Gal}(M/K) } $$ where $K^{sep}/M/K$ is the maximal subextension unramified with respect to $A$. Moreover, the vertical arrows are surjective, the kernel of the left vertical arrow is $I$ and the kernel of the right vertical arrow is the smallest closed normal subgroup of $\text{Gal}(K^{sep}/K)$ containing $I$. \end{lemma} \begin{proof} By construction the group $D$ acts on $(A^{sep})_{\mathfrak m^{sep}}$ over $A$. By the uniqueness of $A^{sh} \to (A^{sep})_{\mathfrak m^{sep}}$ given the map on residue fields (Algebra, Lemma \ref{algebra-lemma-strictly-henselian-functorial}) we see that the image of $A^{sh} \to (A^{sep})_{\mathfrak m^{sep}}$ is contained in $((A^{sep})_{\mathfrak m^{sep}})^I$. On the other hand, Lemma \ref{lemma-inertial-invariants-unramified} shows that $((A^{sep})_{\mathfrak m^{sep}})^I$ is a filtered colimit of \'etale extensions of $A$. Since $A^{sh}$ is the maximal such extension, we conclude that $A^{sh} = ((A^{sep})_{\mathfrak m^{sep}})^I$. Hence $K^{sh} = (K^{sep})^I$. \medskip\noindent Recall that $I$ is the kernel of a surjective map $D \to \text{Aut}(\kappa(\mathfrak m^{sep})/\kappa)$, see More on Algebra, Lemma \ref{more-algebra-lemma-one-orbit-geometric-galois}. We have $\text{Aut}(\kappa(\mathfrak m^{sep})/\kappa) = \text{Gal}(\kappa(\mathfrak m^{sh})/\kappa)$ as we have seen above that these fields are the algebraic and separable algebraic closures of $\kappa$. On the other hand, any automorphism of $A^{sh}$ over $A$ is an automorphism of $A^{sh}$ over $A^h$ by the uniqueness in Algebra, Lemma \ref{algebra-lemma-henselian-functorial}. Furthermore, $A^{sh}$ is the colimit of finite \'etale extensions $A^h \subset A'$ which correspond $1$-to-$1$ with finite separable extension $\kappa'/\kappa$, see Algebra, Remark \ref{algebra-remark-construct-sh-from-h}. Thus $$ \text{Aut}(A^{sh}/A) = \text{Aut}(A^{sh}/A^h) = \text{Gal}(\kappa(\mathfrak m^{sh})/\kappa) $$ Let $\kappa'/\kappa$ be a finite Galois extension with Galois group $G$. Let $A^h \subset A'$ be the finite \'etale extension corresponding to $\kappa \subset \kappa'$ by Algebra, Lemma \ref{algebra-lemma-henselian-cat-finite-etale}. Then it follows that $(A')^G = A^h$ by looking at fraction fields and degrees (small detail omitted). Taking the colimit we conclude that $(A^{sh})^{\text{Gal}(\kappa(\mathfrak m^{sh})/\kappa)} = A^h$. Combining all of the above, we find $A^h = ((A^{sep})_{\mathfrak m^{sep}})^D$. Hence $K^h = (K^{sep})^D$. \medskip\noindent Since $U$, $U^h$, $U^{sh}$ are the spectra of the fields $K$, $K^h$, $K^{sh}$ we see that the top lines of the diagrams correspond via Lemma \ref{lemma-fundamental-group-Galois-group}. By Lemma \ref{lemma-gabber} we have $\pi_1(X^h) = \text{Gal}(\kappa(\mathfrak m^{sh})/\kappa)$. The exactness of the sequence $1 \to I \to D \to \text{Gal}(\kappa(\mathfrak m^{sh})/\kappa) \to 1$ was pointed out above. By Proposition \ref{proposition-normal} we see that $\pi_1(X) = \text{Gal}(M/K)$. Finally, the statement on the kernel of $\text{Gal}(K^{sep}/K) \to \text{Gal}(M/K) = \pi_1(X)$ follows from Lemma \ref{lemma-local-exact-sequence-normal}. This finishes the proof. \end{proof} \noindent Let $X$ be a normal integral scheme with function field $K$. Let $K^{sep}$ be a separable algebraic closure of $K$. Let $X^{sep} \to X$ be the normalization of $X$ in $K^{sep}$. Since $G = \text{Gal}(K^{sep}/K)$ acts on $K^{sep}$ we obtain a right action of $G$ on $X^{sep}$. For $y \in X^{sep}$ define $$ D_y = \{\sigma \in G \mid \sigma(y) = y\} \supset I_y = \{\sigma \in D \mid \sigma \bmod \mathfrak m_y = \text{id}_{\kappa(y)} \} $$ similarly to the above. On the other hand, for $x \in X$ let $\mathcal{O}_{X, x}^{sh}$ be a strict henselization, let $K_x^{sh}$ be the fraction field of $\mathcal{O}_{X, x}^{sh}$ and choose a $K$-embedding $K_x^{sh} \to K^{sep}$. \begin{lemma} \label{lemma-normal-pione-quotient-inertia} Let $X$ be a normal integral scheme with function field $K$. With notation as above, the following three subgroups of $\text{Gal}(K^{sep}/K) = \pi_1(\Spec(K))$ are equal \begin{enumerate} \item the kernel of the surjection $\text{Gal}(K^{sep}/K) \longrightarrow \pi_1(X)$, \item the smallest normal closed subgroup containing $I_y$ for all $y \in X^{sep}$, and \item the smallest normal closed subgroup containing $\text{Gal}(K^{sep}/K_x^{sh})$ for all $x \in X$. \end{enumerate} \end{lemma} \begin{proof} The equivalence of (2) and (3) follows from Lemma \ref{lemma-identify-inertia} which tells us that $I_y$ is conjugate to $\text{Gal}(K^{sep}/K_x^{sh})$ if $y$ lies over $x$. By Lemma \ref{lemma-local-exact-sequence-normal} we see that $\text{Gal}(K^{sep}/K_x^{sh})$ maps trivially to $\pi_1(\Spec(\mathcal{O}_{X, x}))$ and therefore the subgroup $N \subset G = \text{Gal}(K^{sep}/K)$ of (2) and (3) is contained in the kernel of $G \longrightarrow \pi_1(X)$. \medskip\noindent To prove the other inclusion, since $N$ is normal, it suffices to prove: given $N \subset U \subset G$ with $U$ open normal, the quotient map $G \to G/U$ factors through $\pi_1(X)$. In other words, if $L/K$ is the Galois extension corresponding to $U$, then we have to show that $X$ is unramified in $L$ (Section \ref{section-normal}, especially Proposition \ref{proposition-normal}). It suffices to do this when $X$ is affine (we do this so we can refer to algebra results in the rest of the proof). Let $Y \to X$ be the normalization of $X$ in $L$. The inclusion $L \subset K^{sep}$ induces a morphism $\pi : X^{sep} \to Y$. For $y \in X^{sep}$ the inertia group of $\pi(y)$ in $\text{Gal}(L/K)$ is the image of $I_y$ in $\text{Gal}(L/K)$; this follows from More on Algebra, Lemma \ref{more-algebra-lemma-one-orbit-geometric-galois-compare}. Since $N \subset U$ all these inertia groups are trivial. We conclude that $Y \to X$ is \'etale by applying Lemma \ref{lemma-inertia-invariants-etale}. (Alternative: you can use Lemma \ref{lemma-local-exact-sequence-normal} to see that the pullback of $Y$ to $\Spec(\mathcal{O}_{X, x})$ is \'etale for all $x \in X$ and then conclude from there with a bit more work.) \end{proof} \begin{example} \label{example-bigger-codim} Let $X$ be a normal integral Noetherian scheme with function field $K$. Purity of branch locus (see below) tells us that if $X$ is regular, then it suffices in Lemma \ref{lemma-normal-pione-quotient-inertia} to consider the inertia groups $I = \pi_1(\Spec(K_x^{sh}))$ for points $x$ of codimension $1$ in $X$. In general this is not enough however. Namely, let $Y = \mathbf{A}_k^n = \Spec(k[t_1, \ldots, t_n])$ where $k$ is a field not of characteristic $2$. Let $G = \{\pm 1\}$ be the group of order $2$ acting on $Y$ by multiplication on the coordinates. Set $$ X = \Spec(k[t_it_j, i, j \in \{1, \ldots, n\}]) $$ The embedding $k[t_it_j] \subset k[t_1, \ldots, t_n]$ defines a degree $2$ morphism $Y \to X$ which is unramified everywhere except over the maximal ideal $\mathfrak m = (t_it_j)$ which is a point of codimension $n$ in $X$. \end{example} \begin{lemma} \label{lemma-unramified} Let $X$ be an integral normal scheme with function field $K$. Let $L/K$ be a finite extension. Let $Y \to X$ be the normalization of $X$ in $L$. The following are equivalent \begin{enumerate} \item $X$ is unramified in $L$ as defined in Section \ref{section-normal}, \item $Y \to X$ is an unramified morphism of schemes, \item $Y \to X$ is an \'etale morphism of schemes, \item $Y \to X$ is a finite \'etale morphism of schemes, \item for $x \in X$ the projection $Y \times_X \Spec(\mathcal{O}_{X, x}) \to \Spec(\mathcal{O}_{X, x})$ is unramified, \item same as in (5) but with $\mathcal{O}_{X, x}^h$, \item same as in (5) but with $\mathcal{O}_{X, x}^{sh}$, \item for $x \in X$ the scheme theoretic fibre $Y_x$ is \'etale over $x$ of degree $\geq [L : K]$. \end{enumerate} If $L/K$ is Galois with Galois group $G$, then these are also equivalent to \begin{enumerate} \item[(9)] for $y \in Y$ the group $I_y = \{g \in G \mid g(y) = y\text{ and } g \bmod \mathfrak m_y = \text{id}_{\kappa(y)}\}$ is trivial. \end{enumerate} \end{lemma} \begin{proof} The equivalence of (1) and (2) is the definition of (1). The equivalence of (2), (3), and (4) is Lemma \ref{lemma-unramified-in-L}. It is straightforward to prove that (4) $\Rightarrow$ (5), (5) $\Rightarrow$ (6), (6) $\Rightarrow$ (7). \medskip\noindent Assume (7). Observe that $\mathcal{O}_{X, x}^{sh}$ is a normal local domain (More on Algebra, Lemma \ref{more-algebra-lemma-henselization-normal}). Let $L^{sh} = L \otimes_K K_x^{sh}$ where $K_x^{sh}$ is the fraction field of $\mathcal{O}_{X, x}^{sh}$. Then $L^{sh} = \prod_{i = 1, \ldots, n} L_i$ with $L_i/K_x^{sh}$ finite separable. By Algebra, Lemma \ref{algebra-lemma-integral-closure-commutes-smooth} (and a limit argument we omit) we see that $Y \times_X \Spec(\mathcal{O}_{X, x}^{sh})$ is the integral closure of $\Spec(\mathcal{O}_{X, x}^{sh})$ in $L^{sh}$. Hence by Lemma \ref{lemma-unramified-in-L} (applied to the factors $L_i$ of $L^{sh}$) we see that $Y \times_X \Spec(\mathcal{O}_{X, x}^{sh}) \to \Spec(\mathcal{O}_{X, x}^{sh})$ is finite \'etale. Looking at the generic point we see that the degree is equal to $[L : K]$ and hence we see that (8) is true. \medskip\noindent Assume (8). Assume that $x \in X$ and that the scheme theoretic fibre $Y_x$ is \'etale over $x$ of degree $\geq [L : K]$. Observe that this means that $Y$ has $\geq [L : K]$ geometric points lying over $x$. We will show that $Y \to X$ is finite \'etale over a neighbourhood of $x$. This will prove (1) holds. To prove this we may assume $X = \Spec(R)$, the point $x$ corresponds to the prime $\mathfrak p \subset R$, and $Y = \Spec(S)$. We apply More on Morphisms, Lemma \ref{more-morphisms-lemma-etale-makes-integral-split} and we find an \'etale neighbourhood $(U, u) \to (X, x)$ such that $Y \times_X U = V_1 \amalg \ldots \amalg V_m$ such that $V_i$ has a unique point $v_i$ lying over $u$ with $\kappa(v_i)/\kappa(u)$ purely inseparable. Shrinking $U$ if necessary we may assume $U$ is a normal integral scheme with generic point $\xi$ (use Descent, Lemmas \ref{descent-lemma-locally-finite-nr-irred-local-fppf} and \ref{descent-lemma-normal-local-smooth} and Properties, Lemma \ref{properties-lemma-normal-locally-finite-nr-irreducibles}). By our remark on geometric points we see that $m \geq [L : K]$. On the other hand, by More on Morphisms, Lemma \ref{more-morphisms-lemma-normalization-smooth-localization} we see that $\coprod V_i \to U$ is the normalization of $U$ in $\Spec(L) \times_X U$. As $K \subset \kappa(\xi)$ is finite separable, we can write $\Spec(L) \times_X U = \Spec(\prod_{i = 1, \ldots, n} L_i)$ with $L_i/\kappa(\xi)$ finite and $[L : K] = \sum [L_i : \kappa(\xi)]$. Since $V_j$ is nonempty for each $j$ and $m \geq [L : K]$ we conclude that $m = n$ and $[L_i : \kappa(\xi)] = 1$ for all $i$. Then $V_j \to U$ is an isomorphism in particular \'etale, hence $Y \times_X U \to U$ is \'etale. By Descent, Lemma \ref{descent-lemma-descending-property-etale} we conclude that $Y \to X$ is \'etale over the image of $U \to X$ (an open neighbourhood of $x$). \medskip\noindent Assume $L/K$ is Galois and (9) holds. Then $Y \to X$ is \'etale by Lemma \ref{lemma-inertial-invariants-unramified}. We omit the proof that (1) implies (9). \end{proof} \noindent In the case of infinite Galois extensions of discrete valuation rings we can say a tiny bit more. To do so we introduce the following notation. A subset $S \subset \mathbf{N}$ of integers is {\it multiplicativity directed} if $1 \in S$ and for $n, m \in S$ there exists $k \in S$ with $n | k$ and $m | k$. Define a partial ordering on $S$ by the rule $n \geq_S m$ if and only if $m | n$. Given a field $\kappa$ we obtain an inverse system of finite groups $\{\mu_n(\kappa)\}_{n \in S}$ with transition maps $$ \mu_n(\kappa) \longrightarrow \mu_m(\kappa),\quad \zeta \longmapsto \zeta^{n/m} $$ for $n \geq_S m$. Then we can form the profinite group $$ \lim_{n \in S} \mu_n(\kappa) $$ Observe that the limit is cofiltered (as $S$ is directed). The construction is functorial in $\kappa$. In particular $\text{Aut}(\kappa)$ acts on this profinite group. For example, if $S = \{1, n\}$, then this gives $\mu_n(\kappa)$. If $S = \{1, \ell, \ell^2, \ell^3, \ldots\}$ for some prime $\ell$ different from the characteristic of $\kappa$ this produces $\lim_n \mu_{\ell^n}(\kappa)$ which is sometimes called the $\ell$-adic Tate module of the multiplicative group of $\kappa$ (compare with More on Algebra, Example \ref{more-algebra-example-spectral-sequence-principal}). \begin{lemma} \label{lemma-structure-decomposition} Let $A$ be a discrete valuation ring with fraction field $K$. Let $L/K$ be a (possibly infinite) Galois extension. Let $B$ be the integral closure of $A$ in $L$. Let $\mathfrak m$ be a maximal ideal of $B$. Let $G = \text{Gal}(L/K)$, $D = \{\sigma \in G \mid \sigma(\mathfrak m) = \mathfrak m\}$, and $I = \{\sigma \in D \mid \sigma \bmod \mathfrak m = \text{id}_{\kappa(\mathfrak m)}\}$. The decomposition group $D$ fits into a canonical exact sequence $$ 1 \to I \to D \to \text{Aut}(\kappa(\mathfrak m)/\kappa_A) \to 1 $$ The inertia group $I$ fits into a canonical exact sequence $$ 1 \to P \to I \to I_t \to 1 $$ such that \begin{enumerate} \item $P$ is a normal subgroup of $D$, \item $P$ is a pro-$p$-group if the characteristic of $\kappa_A$ is $p > 1$ and $P = \{1\}$ if the characteristic of $\kappa_A$ is zero, \item there is a multiplicatively directed $S \subset \mathbf{N}$ such that $\kappa(\mathfrak m)$ contains a primitive $n$th root of unity for each $n \in S$ (elements of $S$ are prime to $p$), \item there exists a canonical surjective map $$ \theta_{can} : I \to \lim_{n \in S} \mu_n(\kappa(\mathfrak m)) $$ whose kernel is $P$, which satisfies $\theta_{can}(\tau \sigma \tau^{-1}) = \tau(\theta_{can}(\sigma))$ for $\tau \in D$, $\sigma \in I$, and which induces an isomorphism $I_t \to \lim_{n \in S} \mu_n(\kappa(\mathfrak m))$. \end{enumerate} \end{lemma} \begin{proof} This is mostly a reformulation of the results on finite Galois extensions proved in More on Algebra, Section \ref{more-algebra-section-ramification}. The surjectivity of the map $D \to \text{Aut}(\kappa(\mathfrak m)/\kappa)$ is More on Algebra, Lemma \ref{more-algebra-lemma-one-orbit-geometric-galois}. This gives the first exact sequence. \medskip\noindent To construct the second short exact sequence let $\Lambda$ be the set of finite Galois subextensions, i.e., $\lambda \in \Lambda$ corresponds to $L/L_\lambda/K$. Set $G_\lambda = \text{Gal}(L_\lambda/K)$. Recall that $G_\lambda$ is an inverse system of finite groups with surjective transition maps and that $G = \lim_{\lambda \in \Lambda} G_\lambda$, see Fields, Lemma \ref{fields-lemma-infinite-galois-limit}. We let $B_\lambda$ be the integral closure of $A$ in $L_\lambda$. Then we set $\mathfrak m_\lambda = \mathfrak m \cap B_\lambda$ and we denote $P_\lambda, I_\lambda, D_\lambda$ the wild inertia, inertia, and decomposition group of $\mathfrak m_\lambda$, see More on Algebra, Lemma \ref{more-algebra-lemma-galois-inertia}. For $\lambda \geq \lambda'$ the restriction defines a commutative diagram $$ \xymatrix{ P_\lambda \ar[d] \ar[r] & I_\lambda \ar[d] \ar[r] & D_\lambda \ar[d] \ar[r] & G_\lambda \ar[d] \\ P_{\lambda'} \ar[r] & I_{\lambda'} \ar[r] & D_{\lambda'} \ar[r] & G_{\lambda'} } $$ with surjective vertical maps, see More on Algebra, Lemma \ref{more-algebra-lemma-compare-inertia}. \medskip\noindent From the definitions it follows immediately that $I = \lim I_\lambda$ and $D = \lim D_\lambda$ under the isomorphism $G = \lim G_\lambda$ above. Since $L = \colim L_\lambda$ we have $B = \colim B_\lambda$ and $\kappa(\mathfrak m) = \colim \kappa(\mathfrak m_\lambda)$. Since the transition maps of the system $D_\lambda$ are compatible with the maps $D_\lambda \to \text{Aut}(\kappa(\mathfrak m_\lambda)/\kappa)$ (see More on Algebra, Lemma \ref{more-algebra-lemma-compare-inertia}) we see that the map $D \to \text{Aut}(\kappa(\mathfrak m)/\kappa)$ is the limit of the maps $D_\lambda \to \text{Aut}(\kappa(\mathfrak m_\lambda)/\kappa)$. \medskip\noindent There exist canonical maps $$ \theta_{\lambda, can} : I_\lambda \longrightarrow \mu_{n_\lambda}(\kappa(\mathfrak m_\lambda)) $$ where $n_\lambda = |I_\lambda|/|P_\lambda|$, where $\mu_{n_\lambda}(\kappa(\mathfrak m_\lambda))$ has order $n_\lambda$, such that $\theta_{\lambda, can}(\tau \sigma \tau^{-1}) = \tau(\theta_{\lambda, can}(\sigma))$ for $\tau \in D_\lambda$ and $\sigma \in I_\lambda$, and such that we get commutative diagrams $$ \xymatrix{ I_\lambda \ar[r]_-{\theta_{\lambda, can}} \ar[d] & \mu_{n_\lambda}(\kappa(\mathfrak m_\lambda)) \ar[d]^{(-)^{n_\lambda/n_{\lambda'}}} \\ I_{\lambda'} \ar[r]^-{\theta_{\lambda', can}} & \mu_{n_{\lambda'}}(\kappa(\mathfrak m_{\lambda'})) } $$ see More on Algebra, Remark \ref{more-algebra-remark-canonical-inertia-character}. \medskip\noindent Let $S \subset \mathbf{N}$ be the collection of integers $n_\lambda$. Since $\Lambda$ is directed, we see that $S$ is multiplicatively directed. By the displayed commutative diagrams above we can take the limits of the maps $\theta_{\lambda, can}$ to obtain $$ \theta_{can} : I \to \lim_{n \in S} \mu_n(\kappa(\mathfrak m)). $$ This map is continuous (small detail omitted). Since the transition maps of the system of $I_\lambda$ are surjective and $\Lambda$ is directed, the projections $I \to I_\lambda$ are surjective. For every $\lambda$ the diagram $$ \xymatrix{ I \ar[d] \ar[r]_-{\theta_{can}} & \lim_{n \in S} \mu_n(\kappa(\mathfrak m)) \ar[d] \\ I_{\lambda} \ar[r]^-{\theta_{\lambda, can}} & \mu_{n_\lambda}(\kappa(\mathfrak m_\lambda)) } $$ commutes. Hence the image of $\theta_{can}$ surjects onto the finite group $\mu_{n_\lambda}(\kappa(\mathfrak m)) = \mu_{n_\lambda}(\kappa(\mathfrak m_\lambda))$ of order $n_\lambda$ (see above). It follows that the image of $\theta_{can}$ is dense. On the other hand $\theta_{can}$ is continuous and the source is a profinite group. Hence $\theta_{can}$ is surjective by a topological argument. \medskip\noindent The property $\theta_{can}(\tau \sigma \tau^{-1}) = \tau(\theta_{can}(\sigma))$ for $\tau \in D$, $\sigma \in I$ follows from the corresponding properties of the maps $\theta_{\lambda, can}$ and the compatibility of the map $D \to \text{Aut}(\kappa(\mathfrak m))$ with the maps $D_\lambda \to \text{Aut}(\kappa(\mathfrak m_\lambda))$. Setting $P = \Ker(\theta_{can})$ this implies that $P$ is a normal subgroup of $D$. Setting $I_t = I/P$ we obtain the isomorphism $I_t \to \lim_{n \in S} \mu_n(\kappa(\mathfrak m))$ from the surjectivity of $\theta_{can}$. \medskip\noindent To finish the proof we show that $P = \lim P_\lambda$ which proves that $P$ is a pro-$p$-group. Recall that the tame inertia group $I_{\lambda, t} = I_\lambda/P_\lambda$ has order $n_\lambda$. Since the transition maps $P_\lambda \to P_{\lambda'}$ are surjective and $\Lambda$ is directed, we obtain a short exact sequence $$ 1 \to \lim P_\lambda \to I \to \lim I_{\lambda, t} \to 1 $$ (details omitted). Since for each $\lambda$ the map $\theta_{\lambda, can}$ induces an isomorphism $I_{\lambda, t} \cong \mu_{n_\lambda}(\kappa(\mathfrak m))$ the desired result follows. \end{proof} \begin{lemma} \label{lemma-structure-decomposition-separable-closure} Let $A$ be a discrete valuation ring with fraction field $K$. Let $K^{sep}$ be a separable closure of $K$. Let $A^{sep}$ be the integral closure of $A$ in $K^{sep}$. Let $\mathfrak m^{sep}$ be a maximal ideal of $A^{sep}$. Let $\mathfrak m = \mathfrak m^{sep} \cap A$, let $\kappa = A/\mathfrak m$, and let $\overline{\kappa} = A^{sep}/\mathfrak m^{sep}$. Then $\overline{\kappa}$ is an algebraic closure of $\kappa$. Let $G = \text{Gal}(K^{sep}/K)$, $D = \{\sigma \in G \mid \sigma(\mathfrak m^{sep}) = \mathfrak m^{sep}\}$, and $I = \{\sigma \in D \mid \sigma \bmod \mathfrak m^{sep} = \text{id}_{\kappa(\mathfrak m^{sep})}\}$. The decomposition group $D$ fits into a canonical exact sequence $$ 1 \to I \to D \to \text{Gal}(\kappa^{sep}/\kappa) \to 1 $$ where $\kappa^{sep} \subset \overline{\kappa}$ is the separable closure of $\kappa$. The inertia group $I$ fits into a canonical exact sequence $$ 1 \to P \to I \to I_t \to 1 $$ such that \begin{enumerate} \item $P$ is a normal subgroup of $D$, \item $P$ is a pro-$p$-group if the characteristic of $\kappa_A$ is $p > 1$ and $P = \{1\}$ if the characteristic of $\kappa_A$ is zero, \item there exists a canonical surjective map $$ \theta_{can} : I \to \lim_{n\text{ prime to }p} \mu_n(\kappa^{sep}) $$ whose kernel is $P$, which satisfies $\theta_{can}(\tau \sigma \tau^{-1}) = \tau(\theta_{can}(\sigma))$ for $\tau \in D$, $\sigma \in I$, and which induces an isomorphism $I_t \to \lim_{n\text{ prime to }p} \mu_n(\kappa^{sep})$. \end{enumerate} \end{lemma} \begin{proof} The field $\overline{\kappa}$ is the algebraic closure of $\kappa$ by Lemma \ref{lemma-get-algebraic-closure}. Most of the statements immediately follow from the corresponding parts of Lemma \ref{lemma-structure-decomposition}. For example because $\text{Aut}(\overline{\kappa}/\kappa) = \text{Gal}(\kappa^{sep}/\kappa)$ we obtain the first sequence. Then the only other assertion that needs a proof is the fact that with $S$ as in Lemma \ref{lemma-structure-decomposition} the limit $\lim_{n \in S} \mu_n(\overline{\kappa})$ is equal to $\lim_{n\text{ prime to }p} \mu_n(\kappa^{sep})$. To see this it suffices to show that every integer $n$ prime to $p$ divides an element of $S$. Let $\pi \in A$ be a uniformizer and consider the splitting field $L$ of the polynomial $X^n - \pi$. Since the polynomial is separable we see that $L$ is a finite Galois extension of $K$. Choose an embedding $L \to K^{sep}$. Observe that if $B$ is the integral closure of $A$ in $L$, then the ramification index of $A \to B_{\mathfrak m^{sep} \cap B}$ is divisible by $n$ (because $\pi$ has an $n$th root in $B$; in fact the ramification index equals $n$ but we do not need this). Then it follows from the construction of the $S$ in the proof of Lemma \ref{lemma-structure-decomposition} that $n$ divides an element of $S$. \end{proof} \section{Geometric and arithmetic fundamental groups} \label{section-galois-action} \noindent In this section we work out what happens when comparing the fundamental group of a scheme $X$ over a field $k$ with the fundamental group of $X_{\overline{k}}$ where $\overline{k}$ is the algebraic closure of $k$. \begin{lemma} \label{lemma-limit} Let $I$ be a directed set. Let $X_i$ be an inverse system of quasi-compact and quasi-separated schemes over $I$ with affine transition morphisms. Let $X = \lim X_i$ as in Limits, Section \ref{limits-section-limits}. Then there is an equivalence of categories $$ \colim \textit{F\'Et}_{X_i} = \textit{F\'Et}_X $$ If $X_i$ is connected for all sufficiently large $i$ and $\overline{x}$ is a geometric point of $X$, then $$ \pi_1(X, \overline{x}) = \lim \pi_1(X_i, \overline{x}) $$ \end{lemma} \begin{proof} The equivalence of categories follows from Limits, Lemmas \ref{limits-lemma-descend-finite-presentation}, \ref{limits-lemma-descend-finite-finite-presentation}, and \ref{limits-lemma-descend-etale}. The second statement is formal given the statement on categories. \end{proof} \begin{lemma} \label{lemma-perfection} Let $k$ be a field with perfection $k^{perf}$. Let $X$ be a connected scheme over $k$. Then $X_{k^{perf}}$ is connected and $\pi_1(X_{k^{perf}}) \to \pi_1(X)$ is an isomorphism. \end{lemma} \begin{proof} Special case of topological invariance of the fundamental group. See Proposition \ref{proposition-universal-homeomorphism}. To see that $\Spec(k^{perf}) \to \Spec(k)$ is a universal homeomorphism you can use Algebra, Lemma \ref{algebra-lemma-radicial-integral-bijective}. \end{proof} \begin{lemma} \label{lemma-ses-field} Let $k$ be a field with algebraic closure $\overline{k}$. Let $X$ be a quasi-compact and quasi-separated scheme over $k$. If the base change $X_{\overline{k}}$ is connected, then there is a short exact sequence $$ 1 \to \pi_1(X_{\overline{k}}) \to \pi_1(X) \to \pi_1(\Spec(k)) \to 1 $$ of profinite topological groups. \end{lemma} \begin{proof} Connected objects of $\textit{F\'Et}_{\Spec(k)}$ are of the form $\Spec(k') \to \Spec(k)$ with $k'/k$ a finite separable extension. Then $X_{\Spec{k'}}$ is connected, as the morphism $X_{\overline{k}} \to X_{\Spec(k')}$ is surjective and $X_{\overline{k}}$ is connected by assumption. Thus $\pi_1(X) \to \pi_1(\Spec(k))$ is surjective by Lemma \ref{lemma-functoriality-galois-surjective}. \medskip\noindent Before we go on, note that we may assume that $k$ is a perfect field. Namely, we have $\pi_1(X_{k^{perf}}) = \pi_1(X)$ and $\pi_1(\Spec(k^{perf})) = \pi_1(\Spec(k))$ by Lemma \ref{lemma-perfection}. \medskip\noindent It is clear that the composition of the functors $\textit{F\'Et}_{\Spec(k)} \to \textit{F\'Et}_X \to \textit{F\'Et}_{X_{\overline{k}}}$ sends objects to disjoint unions of copies of $X_{\Spec(\overline{k})}$. Therefore the composition $\pi_1(X_{\overline{k}}) \to \pi_1(X) \to \pi_1(\Spec(k))$ is the trivial homomorphism by Lemma \ref{lemma-composition-trivial}. \medskip\noindent Let $U \to X$ be a finite \'etale morphism with $U$ connected. Observe that $U \times_X X_{\overline{k}} = U_{\overline{k}}$. Suppose that $U_{\overline{k}} \to X_{\overline{k}}$ has a section $s : X_{\overline{k}} \to U_{\overline{k}}$. Then $s(X_{\overline{k}})$ is an open connected component of $U_{\overline{k}}$. For $\sigma \in \text{Gal}(\overline{k}/k)$ denote $s^\sigma$ the base change of $s$ by $\Spec(\sigma)$. Since $U_{\overline{k}} \to X_{\overline{k}}$ is finite \'etale it has only a finite number of sections. Thus $$ \overline{T} = \bigcup s^\sigma(X_{\overline{k}}) $$ is a finite union and we see that $\overline{T}$ is a $\text{Gal}(\overline{k}/k)$-stable open and closed subset. By Varieties, Lemma \ref{varieties-lemma-closed-fixed-by-Galois} we see that $\overline{T}$ is the inverse image of a closed subset $T \subset U$. Since $U_{\overline{k}} \to U$ is open (Morphisms, Lemma \ref{morphisms-lemma-scheme-over-field-universally-open}) we conclude that $T$ is open as well. As $U$ is connected we see that $T = U$. Hence $U_{\overline{k}}$ is a (finite) disjoint union of copies of $X_{\overline{k}}$. By Lemma \ref{lemma-functoriality-galois-normal} we conclude that the image of $\pi_1(X_{\overline{k}}) \to \pi_1(X)$ is normal. \medskip\noindent Let $V \to X_{\overline{k}}$ be a finite \'etale cover. Recall that $\overline{k}$ is the union of finite separable extensions of $k$. By Lemma \ref{lemma-limit} we find a finite separable extension $k'/k$ and a finite \'etale morphism $U \to X_{k'}$ such that $V = X_{\overline{k}} \times_{X_{k'}} U = U \times_{\Spec(k')} \Spec(\overline{k})$. Then the composition $U \to X_{k'} \to X$ is finite \'etale and $U \times_{\Spec(k)} \Spec(\overline{k})$ contains $V = U \times_{\Spec(k')} \Spec(\overline{k})$ as an open and closed subscheme. (Because $\Spec(\overline{k})$ is an open and closed subscheme of $\Spec(k') \times_{\Spec(k)} \Spec(\overline{k})$ via the multiplication map $k' \otimes_k \overline{k} \to \overline{k}$.) By Lemma \ref{lemma-functoriality-galois-injective} we conclude that $\pi_1(X_{\overline{k}}) \to \pi_1(X)$ is injective. \medskip\noindent Finally, we have to show that for any finite \'etale morphism $U \to X$ such that $U_{\overline{k}}$ is a disjoint union of copies of $X_{\overline{k}}$ there is a finite \'etale morphism $V \to \Spec(k)$ and a surjection $V \times_{\Spec(k)} X \to U$. See Lemma \ref{lemma-functoriality-galois-ses}. Arguing as above using Lemma \ref{lemma-limit} we find a finite separable extension $k'/k$ such that there is an isomorphism $U_{k'} \cong \coprod_{i = 1, \ldots, n} X_{k'}$. Thus setting $V = \coprod_{i = 1, \ldots, n} \Spec(k')$ we conclude. \end{proof} \begin{lemma} \label{lemma-ses-field-component} Let $k$ be a field with algebraic closure $\overline{k}$. Let $X$ be a connected scheme of finite type over $k$ and let $\overline{x} \in X(\overline{k})$. Set $G_k = \pi_1(\Spec(k), \Spec(\overline{k}))$. Let $C$ be the connected component of $X_{\overline{k}}$ containing $\overline{x}$ and let $H \subset G_k$ be the stabilizer of $C$. Then the image of $$ \pi_1(X, \overline{x}) \longrightarrow G_k $$ is $H$, and there is a short exact sequence $$ 1 \longrightarrow \pi_1(C, \overline{x}) \longrightarrow \pi_1(X, \overline{x}) \longrightarrow H \longrightarrow 1. $$ \end{lemma} \begin{proof} The connected components of $X_{\overline{k}}$ are open and closed and there are only finitely many of them. The group $G_k$ acts transitively on this finite set: a union of orbits would be a $G_k$-stable open and closed subset and hence would descend to an open and closed subset of $X$ by Varieties, Lemma \ref{varieties-lemma-closed-fixed-by-Galois}, applied also to its complement. This would contradict the connectedness of $X$. In particular, $H$ is open in $G_k$. \medskip\noindent Let $k' \subset \overline{k}$ be the finite separable extension with $H = \text{Gal}(\overline{k}/k')$. Applying the same descent lemma over $k'$ to $C$ and its complement gives an open and closed subscheme $X' \subset X_{k'}$ whose base change to $\overline{k}$ is $C$. View $X' \to X$ as a morphism of $k$-schemes. After base change to $\overline{k}$ its source is the disjoint union of the conjugates of $C$, one for every coset of $H$ in $G_k$, and the morphism identifies these with all the connected components of $X_{\overline{k}}$. It is therefore an isomorphism after this faithfully flat base change, hence an isomorphism by Descent, Lemma \ref{descent-lemma-descending-property-isomorphism}. \medskip\noindent Thus $X$, as a scheme, has the $k'$-structure $X'$, and its base change to $\overline{k}$ over $k'$ is the connected scheme $C$. Applying Lemma \ref{lemma-ses-field} to $X'/k'$ gives the displayed exact sequence and identifies the image in $G_k$ with $\text{Gal}(\overline{k}/k') = H$. \end{proof} \section{Homotopy exact sequence} \label{section-homotopy-exact-sequence} \noindent In this section we discuss the following result. Let $f : X \to S$ be a flat proper morphism of finite presentation whose geometric fibres are connected and reduced. Assume $S$ is connected and let $\overline{s}$ be a geometric point of $S$. Then there is an exact sequence $$ \pi_1(X_{\overline{s}}) \to \pi_1(X) \to \pi_1(S) \to 1 $$ of fundamental groups. See Proposition \ref{proposition-first-homotopy-sequence}. \begin{lemma} \label{lemma-pi1-surjective-pushforward-structure-sheaf} \begin{reference} \cite[Expos\'e 182, Lemme 4, p. 212]{FGA} \end{reference} Let $f : X \to S$ be a quasi-compact and quasi-separated morphism of connected schemes. If $$ \mathcal{O}_S \longrightarrow f_*\mathcal{O}_X $$ is an isomorphism, then for every geometric point $\overline{x}$ of $X$, with image $\overline{s}$ in $S$, the map $$ \pi_1(X, \overline{x}) \longrightarrow \pi_1(S, \overline{s}) $$ is surjective. In particular, this applies when $f$ is proper and the displayed map is an isomorphism. \end{lemma} \begin{proof} Let $S' \to S$ be a connected finite \'etale morphism and set $X' = X \times_S S'$. Since $S' \to S$ is flat, flat base change gives $$ \mathcal{O}_{S'} \longrightarrow f'_*\mathcal{O}_{X'} $$ as an isomorphism, where $f' : X' \to S'$ is the projection; see Cohomology of Schemes, Lemma \ref{coherent-lemma-flat-base-change-cohomology}. Hence $$ \Gamma(S', \mathcal{O}_{S'}) = \Gamma(X', \mathcal{O}_{X'}). $$ If $X'$ were disconnected, the right hand side would contain a nontrivial idempotent, contrary to the connectedness of $S'$. Thus pullback by $f$ sends every connected finite \'etale cover of $S$ to a connected finite \'etale cover of $X$. The result follows from Lemma \ref{lemma-functoriality-galois-surjective}. \end{proof} \begin{lemma} \label{lemma-finite-unramified-etale-after-pullback} Let $f : X \to S$ be a proper morphism such that $\mathcal{O}_S \to f_*\mathcal{O}_X$ is an isomorphism. Let $p : T \to S$ be a finite unramified morphism, let $t \in T$, and let $s = p(t)$. If the base change $$ X \times_S T \longrightarrow X $$ is \'etale at every point over $t$, then $p$ is \'etale at $t$. Consequently, if the base change is \'etale, then $p$ is \'etale. \end{lemma} \begin{proof} First, $f$ is surjective. Indeed, its image is closed, and on the complement the equality $\mathcal{O}_S = f_*\mathcal{O}_X$ would identify a nonzero structure sheaf with zero. \medskip\noindent The assertion is \'etale local around $s$ and $t$. After an \'etale base change the equality of structure sheaves is preserved by Cohomology of Schemes, Lemma \ref{coherent-lemma-flat-base-change-cohomology}. Thus, by \'Etale Morphisms, Lemma \ref{etale-lemma-finite-unramified-etale-local}, we may assume that $S$ is affine and $$ T = \coprod T_i $$ with every $T_i \to S$ a closed immersion. Let $T_1$ be the factor containing $t$. The non-\'etale locus of $X_{T_1} \to X$ has closed image in $T_1$ by properness, and this image does not contain $t$. After shrinking $S$ around $s$, we may therefore assume that $X_{T_1} \to X$ is \'etale. \medskip\noindent The morphism $X_{T_1} \to X$ is both a closed immersion and \'etale, and hence is an open immersion by \'Etale Morphisms, Theorem \ref{etale-theorem-etale-radicial-open}. Thus $X_{T_1}$ is open and closed in $X$. It is defined by an idempotent in $$ \Gamma(X, \mathcal{O}_X) = \Gamma(S, \mathcal{O}_S). $$ Let $S_1 \subset S$ be the corresponding open and closed subscheme. Then $X_{T_1} = X_{S_1}$ as subschemes of $X$. \medskip\noindent Let $\mathcal{I}_1$ be the ideal defining $T_1$. Over $S_1$ its pullback to $X$ is zero; the equality $\mathcal{O}_S = f_*\mathcal{O}_X$ therefore gives $\mathcal{I}_1|_{S_1} = 0$. Over $S \setminus S_1$ the scheme $X_{T_1}$ is empty. Surjectivity of $f$ then implies that $T_1$ is empty there. Hence $T_1 = S_1$. Thus $T_1 \to S$ is an open immersion as well as a closed immersion, proving that $p$ is \'etale at $t$. \end{proof} \begin{lemma} \label{lemma-local-Stein-trivial-component} \begin{reference} \cite[Expos\'e 182, Th\'eor\`eme 11, pp. 213--214]{FGA} \end{reference} Let $S$ be a locally Noetherian scheme. Let $f : X \to S$ be a proper morphism such that $\mathcal{O}_S \to f_*\mathcal{O}_X$ is an isomorphism. Let $h : X' \to X$ be a finite morphism and let $$ X' \longrightarrow T \longrightarrow S $$ be the Stein factorization of $f \circ h$. Let $s \in S$, let $t \in T$ lie over $s$, and let $C \subset X'_s$ be the open and closed connected component corresponding to $t$. Assume \begin{enumerate} \item $h$ is \'etale at every point of $C$, and \item the canonical morphism $$ C \longrightarrow X_s \times_{\Spec(\kappa(s))} \Spec(\kappa(t)) $$ is an isomorphism. \end{enumerate} Then there is an open neighbourhood $V \subset T$ of $t$ such that $V \to S$ is \'etale and the canonical morphism $$ X' \longrightarrow X \times_S T $$ is an isomorphism over $V$. \end{lemma} \begin{proof} Write $g : X' \to T$ for the first morphism in the Stein factorization and consider $$ \varphi = (h, g) : X' \longrightarrow X \times_S T. $$ By More on Morphisms, Theorem \ref{more-morphisms-theorem-stein-factorization-general}, the scheme $T$ is the relative spectrum of $(f \circ h)_*\mathcal{O}_{X'}$. This algebra is coherent by Cohomology of Schemes, Proposition \ref{coherent-proposition-proper-pushforward-coherent}; hence $T$ is finite over $S$. It follows that $\varphi$ is finite. Its fibre over $t$ is the canonical morphism in assumption (2), and therefore is an isomorphism. The isomorphism locus of $\varphi$ is open in $X \times_S T$. Its complement has closed image in $T$, because $X \times_S T \to T$ is proper, and this image does not contain $t$. Let $W \subset T$ be the complement of this image. Thus $W$ is an open neighbourhood of $t$ and $\varphi$ is an isomorphism over $W$. \medskip\noindent Choose $c \in C$. Via the isomorphism over $W$, the morphism $h$ is the base change of $T \to S$ by $X \to S$ in a neighbourhood of $c$. Consequently $$ \Omega_{T/S, t} \otimes_{\mathcal{O}_{T, t}} \kappa(c) = \Omega_{X'/X, c} \otimes_{\mathcal{O}_{X', c}} \kappa(c) = 0 $$ by assumption (1). Since $\kappa(c)$ is a field extension of $\kappa(t)$, faithful flatness and Nakayama's lemma give $\Omega_{T/S, t} = 0$. The morphism $T \to S$ is finite and hence locally of finite type, so Morphisms, Lemma \ref{morphisms-lemma-unramified-omega-zero} shows that it is unramified at $t$. The isomorphism over $W$ and assumption (1) also show that $X \times_S T \to X$ is \'etale at every point over $t$. Lemma \ref{lemma-finite-unramified-etale-after-pullback} now shows that $T \to S$ is \'etale at $t$. Intersecting $W$ with the \'etale locus gives the required open neighbourhood $V$. \end{proof} \begin{lemma} \label{lemma-finite-etale-descends-trivial-all-fibres} \begin{reference} \cite[Expos\'e 182, Corollaire 1, p. 214]{FGA} \end{reference} Let $S$ be a locally Noetherian scheme. Let $f : X \to S$ be a proper morphism such that $\mathcal{O}_S \to f_*\mathcal{O}_X$ is an isomorphism. Let $h : X' \to X$ be a finite \'etale morphism, let $$ X' \longrightarrow T \longrightarrow S $$ be the Stein factorization of $f \circ h$, and let $\varphi : X' \to X \times_S T$ be the canonical morphism. The following are equivalent: \begin{enumerate} \item $T \to S$ is finite \'etale and $\varphi$ is an isomorphism; \item for every $s \in S$, every $t \in T$ over $s$, and the connected component $C \subset X'_s$ corresponding to $t$, the canonical morphism $$ C \longrightarrow X_s \times_{\Spec(\kappa(s))} \Spec(\kappa(t)) $$ is an isomorphism. \end{enumerate} In particular, a finite \'etale cover of $X$ is pulled back from a finite \'etale cover of $S$ if and only if it is geometrically trivial on every fibre of $f$; the cover of $S$ is then unique up to unique isomorphism. \end{lemma} \begin{proof} The fibres of $f$ are geometrically connected by the structure-sheaf identity in the statement and More on Morphisms, Theorem \ref{more-morphisms-theorem-stein-factorization-general}. Thus if (1) holds, then (2) follows by taking fibres. Conversely, assume (2). The morphism $h$ is \'etale along every $C$, so Lemma \ref{lemma-local-Stein-trivial-component}, applied at every point of $T$, shows that $T \to S$ is \'etale and that $\varphi$ is an isomorphism. The morphism $T \to S$ is finite by the proof of Lemma \ref{lemma-local-Stein-trivial-component}. \medskip\noindent Finally, if $X'$ is pulled back from a finite \'etale cover $T' \to S$, then flat base change and $f_*\mathcal{O}_X = \mathcal{O}_S$ give $$ (f \circ h)_*\mathcal{O}_{X'} = (T' \to S)_*\mathcal{O}_{T'}. $$ Hence $T'$ is the middle term of the Stein factorization, proving uniqueness. \end{proof} \begin{lemma} \label{lemma-function-fields-local-Stein-trivial-component} \begin{reference} \cite[Expos\'e 182, Corollaire 2, p. 214]{FGA} \end{reference} In the situation of Lemma \ref{lemma-local-Stein-trivial-component}, assume in addition that $S$, $X$, and $X'$ are integral. Let $K$, $L$, and $L'$ be their function fields. Then there is a finite separable extension $K'/K$ contained in $L'$ such that the multiplication map $$ L \otimes_K K' \longrightarrow L' $$ is an isomorphism. In particular, $L$ and $K'$ are linearly disjoint over $K$ and $L'$ is their compositum. \end{lemma} \begin{proof} Let $X' \to T \to S$ be the Stein factorization. The scheme $T$ is integral: it is the relative spectrum of $(f \circ h)_*\mathcal{O}_{X'}$, and the ring of sections over every nonempty affine open of $T$ is the ring of sections of a nonempty open of the integral scheme $X'$, hence is a domain. Let $K'$ be the function field of $T$. The morphism $T \to S$ is finite by the proof of Lemma \ref{lemma-local-Stein-trivial-component}. \medskip\noindent The same lemma gives a nonempty open $V \subset T$ which is \'etale over $S$ and over which $$ X' \longrightarrow X \times_S T $$ is an isomorphism. Since $T$ and $S$ are integral, their generic points belong to $V$ and its image, respectively. It follows that $K'/K$ is finite separable and that the generic fibre product is integral. Thus $L \otimes_K K'$ is a domain. It is a finite-dimensional $L$-algebra, so it is a field, and the generic form of the displayed isomorphism identifies it with $L'$. This proves all the assertions. \end{proof} \begin{lemma} \label{lemma-stein-factorization-etale} \begin{reference} \cite[Expose X, Proposition 1.2, p. 262]{SGA1}. \end{reference} Let $f : X \to S$ be a proper morphism of schemes. Let $X \to S' \to S$ be the Stein factorization of $f$, see More on Morphisms, Theorem \ref{more-morphisms-theorem-stein-factorization-general}. If $f$ is of finite presentation, flat, with geometrically reduced fibres, then $S' \to S$ is finite \'etale. \end{lemma} \begin{proof} This follows from Derived Categories of Schemes, Lemma \ref{perfect-lemma-proper-flat-geom-red} and the information contained in More on Morphisms, Theorem \ref{more-morphisms-theorem-stein-factorization-general}. \end{proof} \begin{proposition} \label{proposition-first-homotopy-sequence} Let $f : X \to S$ be a flat proper morphism of finite presentation whose geometric fibres are connected and reduced. Assume $S$ is connected and let $\overline{s}$ be a geometric point of $S$. Then there is an exact sequence $$ \pi_1(X_{\overline{s}}) \to \pi_1(X) \to \pi_1(S) \to 1 $$ of fundamental groups. \end{proposition} \begin{proof} Let $Y \to X$ be a finite \'etale morphism. Consider the Stein factorization $$ \xymatrix{ Y \ar[d] \ar[r] & X \ar[d] \\ T \ar[r] & S } $$ of $Y \to S$. By Lemma \ref{lemma-stein-factorization-etale} the morphism $T \to S$ is finite \'etale. In this way we obtain a functor $\textit{F\'Et}_X \to \textit{F\'Et}_S$. For any finite \'etale morphism $U \to S$ a morphism $Y \to U \times_S X$ over $X$ is the same thing as a morphism $Y \to U$ over $S$ and such a morphism factors uniquely through the Stein factorization, i.e., corresponds to a unique morphism $T \to U$ (by the construction of the Stein factorization as a relative normalization in More on Morphisms, Lemma \ref{more-morphisms-lemma-stein-universally-closed} and factorization by Morphisms, Lemma \ref{morphisms-lemma-characterize-normalization}). Thus we see that the functors $\textit{F\'Et}_X \to \textit{F\'Et}_S$ and $\textit{F\'Et}_S \to \textit{F\'Et}_X$ are adjoints. Note that the Stein factorization of $U \times_S X \to S$ is $U$, because the fibres of $U \times_S X \to U$ are geometrically connected. \medskip\noindent By the discussion above and Categories, Lemma \ref{categories-lemma-adjoint-fully-faithful} we conclude that $\textit{F\'Et}_S \to \textit{F\'Et}_X$ is fully faithful, i.e., $\pi_1(X) \to \pi_1(S)$ is surjective (Lemma \ref{lemma-functoriality-galois-surjective}). \medskip\noindent It is immediate that the composition $\textit{F\'Et}_S \to \textit{F\'Et}_X \to \textit{F\'Et}_{X_{\overline{s}}}$ sends any $U$ to a disjoint union of copies of $X_{\overline{s}}$. Hence $\pi_1(X_{\overline{s}}) \to \pi_1(X) \to \pi_1(S)$ is trivial by Lemma \ref{lemma-composition-trivial}. \medskip\noindent Let $Y \to X$ be a finite \'etale morphism with $Y$ connected such that $Y \times_X X_{\overline{s}}$ contains a connected component $Z$ isomorphic to $X_{\overline{s}}$. Consider the Stein factorization $T$ as above. Let $\overline{t} \in T_{\overline{s}}$ be the point corresponding to the fibre $Z$. Observe that $T$ is connected (as the image of a connected scheme) and by the surjectivity above $T \times_S X$ is connected. Now consider the factorization $$ \pi : Y \longrightarrow T \times_S X $$ Let $\overline{x} \in X_{\overline{s}}$ be any closed point. Note that $\kappa(\overline{t}) = \kappa(\overline{s}) = \kappa(\overline{x})$ is an algebraically closed field. Then the fibre of $\pi$ over $(\overline{t}, \overline{x})$ consists of a unique point, namely the unique point $\overline{z} \in Z$ corresponding to $\overline{x} \in X_{\overline{s}}$ via the isomorphism $Z \to X_{\overline{s}}$. We conclude that the finite \'etale morphism $\pi$ has degree $1$ in a neighbourhood of $(\overline{t}, \overline{x})$. Since $T \times_S X$ is connected it has degree $1$ everywhere and we find that $Y \cong T \times_S X$. Thus $Y \times_X X_{\overline{s}}$ splits completely. Combining all of the above we see that Lemmas \ref{lemma-functoriality-galois-ses} and \ref{lemma-functoriality-galois-normal} both apply and the proof is complete. \end{proof} \begin{lemma} \label{lemma-finite-etale-descends-if-trivial-on-fibre} \begin{reference} \cite[Expos\'e 182, Corollaire 1, p. 214]{FGA} \end{reference} Let $f : X \to S$ be a flat proper morphism of finite presentation whose geometric fibres are connected and reduced. Assume $S$ is connected and let $\overline{s}$ be a geometric point of $S$. For a finite \'etale morphism $Y \to X$, the following are equivalent: \begin{enumerate} \item there is a finite \'etale morphism $T \to S$ and an isomorphism $Y \cong T \times_S X$ over $X$, and \item the finite \'etale cover $Y \times_X X_{\overline{s}} \to X_{\overline{s}}$ is isomorphic to a finite disjoint union of copies of $X_{\overline{s}}$. \end{enumerate} When these conditions hold, $T$ and the displayed isomorphism are unique up to unique isomorphism. \end{lemma} \begin{proof} The finite \'etale cover $Y \to X$ corresponds to a finite set with a continuous action of $\pi_1(X)$. It is pulled back from $S$ if and only if this action factors through $\pi_1(X) \to \pi_1(S)$. By Proposition \ref{proposition-first-homotopy-sequence}, this map is surjective and its kernel is the image of $\pi_1(X_{\overline{s}})$. Thus the action factors through $\pi_1(S)$ if and only if its restriction to $\pi_1(X_{\overline{s}})$ is trivial. By the Galois category description, the latter condition is exactly (2). Uniqueness follows from the full faithfulness of $\textit{F\'Et}_S \to \textit{F\'Et}_X$, proved in Proposition \ref{proposition-first-homotopy-sequence}. \end{proof} \begin{lemma} \label{lemma-fundamental-group-product-one-proper} \begin{reference} \cite[Expos\'e 182, Corollaire 5, p. 215, with the 1962 correction]{FGA} \end{reference} Let $k$ be a field. Let $X$ and $Y$ be connected schemes of finite type over $k$. Assume that $X$ or $Y$ is proper over $k$. Choose an algebraic closure $\overline{k}$ and points $$ \overline{x} \in X(\overline{k}), \qquad \overline{y} \in Y(\overline{k}), \qquad \overline{z} = (\overline{x}, \overline{y}). $$ Set $G_k = \pi_1(\Spec(k), \Spec(\overline{k}))$. Then the natural map $$ \pi_1(X \times_k Y, \overline{z}) \longrightarrow \pi_1(X, \overline{x}) \times_{G_k} \pi_1(Y, \overline{y}) $$ is an isomorphism. Consequently, the natural map $$ \pi_1(X \times_k Y, \overline{z}) \longrightarrow \pi_1(X, \overline{x}) \times \pi_1(Y, \overline{y}) $$ is injective. If $k$ is algebraically closed, then it is an isomorphism. \end{lemma} \begin{proof} We first prove the result when $k$ is algebraically closed. By Lemma \ref{lemma-thickening} we may replace $X$ and $Y$ by their reductions. The induced closed immersion between the products is a thickening as all schemes in question are Noetherian, so this replacement does not change the fundamental group of the product either. The resulting schemes are geometrically reduced by Varieties, Lemma \ref{varieties-lemma-perfect-reduced}. After interchanging $X$ and $Y$ if necessary, we may assume that $X$ is proper. The projection $$ p : X \times_k Y \longrightarrow Y $$ is flat, proper, and of finite presentation, and its geometric fibres are connected and reduced. The assertion is unaffected by changing base points, so we may choose them to be $k$-rational. Proposition \ref{proposition-first-homotopy-sequence} therefore gives an exact sequence $$ \pi_1(X) \longrightarrow \pi_1(X \times_k Y) \longrightarrow \pi_1(Y) \longrightarrow 1. $$ The inclusions of the two factors through these points and the two projections show that the natural map from the middle group to $\pi_1(X) \times \pi_1(Y)$ is surjective. If an element maps to $(1, 1)$, exactness shows that it comes from $\pi_1(X)$, and the first projection then shows that this element of $\pi_1(X)$ is trivial. Thus the natural map is also injective, proving the algebraically closed case. \medskip\noindent For a general field, let $C_X$ and $C_Y$ be the connected components of $X_{\overline{k}}$ and $Y_{\overline{k}}$ containing $\overline{x}$ and $\overline{y}$. Let $H_X, H_Y \subset G_k$ be their stabilizers. The product $C_X \times_{\overline{k}} C_Y$ is connected: its projection to $C_Y$ is open and surjective with connected fibres. Thus it is the connected component of $(X \times_k Y)_{\overline{k}}$ containing $\overline{z}$. Its stabilizer is $$ H = H_X \cap H_Y. $$ Let $W$ be the connected component of $X \times_k Y$ containing $\overline{z}$; its fundamental group is the fundamental group of $X \times_k Y$ at $\overline{z}$. Set $$ P = \pi_1(X, \overline{x}) \times_{G_k} \pi_1(Y, \overline{y}). $$ Lemma \ref{lemma-ses-field-component}, applied to $X$, $Y$, and $W$, gives a commutative diagram with exact rows $$ \xymatrix{ 1 \ar[r] & \pi_1(C_X \times_{\overline{k}} C_Y) \ar[r] \ar[d]^{\cong} & \pi_1(W, \overline{z}) \ar[r] \ar[d] & H \ar[r] \ar@{=}[d] & 1 \\ 1 \ar[r] & \pi_1(C_X, \overline{x}) \times \pi_1(C_Y, \overline{y}) \ar[r] & P \ar[r] & H \ar[r] & 1. } $$ The bottom row is exact because $\pi_1(X, \overline{x}) \to H_X$ and $\pi_1(Y, \overline{y}) \to H_Y$ are surjective. The left vertical arrow is an isomorphism by the algebraically closed case; if one of $X$ and $Y$ is proper, then the corresponding geometric component is proper. The middle vertical arrow is therefore an isomorphism by a diagram chase. \end{proof} \section{Specialization maps} \label{section-specialization-map} \noindent In this section we construct specialization maps. Let $f : X \to S$ be a proper morphism of schemes with geometrically connected fibres. Let $s' \leadsto s$ be a specialization of points in $S$. Let $\overline{s}$ and $\overline{s}'$ be geometric points lying over $s$ and $s'$. Then there is a specialization map $$ sp : \pi_1(X_{\overline{s}'}) \longrightarrow \pi_1(X_{\overline{s}}) $$ The construction of this map is as follows. Let $A$ be the strict henselization of $\mathcal{O}_{S, s}$ with respect to $\kappa(s) \subset \kappa(s)^{sep} \subset \kappa(\overline{s})$, see Algebra, Definition \ref{algebra-definition-henselization}. Since $s' \leadsto s$ the point $s'$ corresponds to a point of $\Spec(\mathcal{O}_{S, s})$ and hence there is at least one point (and potentially many points) of $\Spec(A)$ over $s'$ whose residue field is a separable algebraic extension of $\kappa(s')$. Since $\kappa(\overline{s}')$ is algebraically closed we can choose a morphism $\varphi : \overline{s}' \to \Spec(A)$ giving rise to a commutative diagram $$ \xymatrix{ \overline{s}' \ar[r]_-\varphi \ar[rd] & \Spec(A) \ar[d] & \overline{s} \ar[l] \ar[ld] \\ & S } $$ The specialization map is the composition $$ \pi_1(X_{\overline{s}'}) \longrightarrow \pi_1(X_A) = \pi_1(X_{\kappa(s)^{sep}}) = \pi_1(X_{\overline{s}}) $$ where the first equality is Lemma \ref{lemma-finite-etale-on-proper-over-henselian} and the second follows from Lemmas \ref{lemma-perfection} and \ref{lemma-finite-etale-invariant-over-proper}. By construction the specialization map fits into a commutative diagram $$ \xymatrix{ \pi_1(X_{\overline{s}'}) \ar[rr]_{sp} \ar[rd] & & \pi_1(X_{\overline{s}}) \ar[ld] \\ & \pi_1(X) } $$ provided that $X$ is connected. The specialization map depends on the choice of $\varphi : \overline{s}' \to \Spec(A)$ above and we will write $sp_\varphi$ if we want to indicate this. \begin{lemma} \label{lemma-specialization-map-base-change} Consider a commutative diagram $$ \xymatrix{ Y \ar[d]_g \ar[r] & X \ar[d]^f \\ T \ar[r] & S } $$ of schemes where $f$ and $g$ are proper with geometrically connected fibres. Let $t' \leadsto t$ be a specialization of points in $T$ and consider a specialization map $sp : \pi_1(Y_{\overline{t}'}) \to \pi_1(Y_{\overline{t}})$ as above. Then there is a commutative diagram $$ \xymatrix{ \pi_1(Y_{\overline{t}'}) \ar[r]_{sp} \ar[d] & \pi_1(Y_{\overline{t}}) \ar[d] \\ \pi_1(X_{\overline{s}'}) \ar[r]^{sp} & \pi_1(X_{\overline{s}}) } $$ of specialization maps where $\overline{s}$ and $\overline{s}'$ are the images of $\overline{t}$ and $\overline{t}'$. \end{lemma} \begin{proof} Let $B$ be the strict henselization of $\mathcal{O}_{T, t}$ with respect to $\kappa(t) \subset \kappa(t)^{sep} \subset \kappa(\overline{t})$. Pick $\psi : \overline{t}' \to \Spec(B)$ lifting $\overline{t}' \to T$ as in the construction of the specialization map. Let $s$ and $s'$ denote the images of $t$ and $t'$ in $S$. Let $A$ be the strict henselization of $\mathcal{O}_{S, s}$ with respect to $\kappa(s) \subset \kappa(s)^{sep} \subset \kappa(\overline{s})$. Since $\kappa(\overline{s}) = \kappa(\overline{t})$, by the functoriality of strict henselization (Algebra, Lemma \ref{algebra-lemma-strictly-henselian-functorial}) we obtain a ring map $A \to B$ fitting into the commutative diagram $$ \xymatrix{ \overline{t}' \ar[r]_-\psi \ar[d] & \Spec(B) \ar[d] \ar[r] & T \ar[d] \\ \overline{s}' \ar[r]^-\varphi & \Spec(A) \ar[r] & S } $$ Here the morphism $\varphi : \overline{s}' \to \Spec(A)$ is simply taken to be the composition $\overline{t}' \to \Spec(B) \to \Spec(A)$. Applying base change we obtain a commutative diagram $$ \xymatrix{ Y_{\overline{t}'} \ar[r] \ar[d] & Y_B \ar[d] \\ X_{\overline{s}'} \ar[r] & X_A } $$ and from the construction of the specialization map the commutativity of this diagram implies the commutativity of the diagram of the lemma. \end{proof} \begin{lemma} \label{lemma-specialization-map-composition} Let $f : X \to S$ be a proper morphism with geometrically connected fibres. Let $s'' \leadsto s' \leadsto s$ be specializations of points of $S$. A composition of specialization maps $\pi_1(X_{\overline{s}''}) \to \pi_1(X_{\overline{s}'}) \to \pi_1(X_{\overline{s}})$ is a specialization map $\pi_1(X_{\overline{s}''}) \to \pi_1(X_{\overline{s}})$. \end{lemma} \begin{proof} Let $\mathcal{O}_{S, s} \to A$ be the strict henselization constructed using $\kappa(s) \to \kappa(\overline{s})$. Let $A \to \kappa(\overline{s}')$ be the map used to construct the first specialization map. Let $\mathcal{O}_{S, s'} \to A'$ be the strict henselization constructed using $\kappa(s') \subset \kappa(\overline{s}')$. By functoriality of strict henselization, there is a map $A \to A'$ such that the composition with $A' \to \kappa(\overline{s}')$ is the given map (Algebra, Lemma \ref{algebra-lemma-map-into-henselian-colimit}). Next, let $A' \to \kappa(\overline{s}'')$ be the map used to construct the second specialization map. Then it is clear that the composition of the first and second specialization maps is the specialization map $\pi_1(X_{\overline{s}''}) \to \pi_1(X_{\overline{s}})$ constructed using $A \to A' \to \kappa(\overline{s}'')$. \end{proof} \noindent Let $X \to S$ be a proper morphism with geometrically connected fibres. Let $R$ be a strictly henselian valuation ring with algebraically closed fraction field and let $\Spec(R) \to S$ be a morphism. Let $\eta, s \in \Spec(R)$ be the generic and closed point. Then we can consider the specialization map $$ sp_R : \pi_1(X_\eta) \to \pi_1(X_s) $$ for the base change $X_R/\Spec(R)$. Note that this makes sense as both $\eta$ and $s$ have algebraically closed residue fields. \begin{lemma} \label{lemma-specialization-map-valuation-ring} Let $f : X \to S$ be a proper morphism with geometrically connected fibres. Let $s' \leadsto s$ be a specialization of points of $S$ and let $sp : \pi_1(X_{\overline{s}'}) \to \pi_1(X_{\overline{s}})$ be a specialization map. Then there exists a strictly henselian valuation ring $R$ over $S$ with algebraically closed fraction field such that $sp$ is isomorphic to $sp_R$ defined above. \end{lemma} \begin{proof} Let $\mathcal{O}_{S, s} \to A$ be the strict henselization constructed using $\kappa(s) \to \kappa(\overline{s})$. Let $A \to \kappa(\overline{s}')$ be the map used to construct $sp$. Let $R \subset \kappa(\overline{s}')$ be a valuation ring with fraction field $\kappa(\overline{s}')$ dominating the image of $A$. See Algebra, Lemma \ref{algebra-lemma-dominate}. Observe that $R$ is strictly henselian for example by Lemma \ref{lemma-normal-local-domain-separablly-closed-fraction-field} and Algebra, Lemma \ref{algebra-lemma-valuation-ring-normal}. Then the lemma is clear. \end{proof} \noindent Let $X \to S$ be a proper morphism with geometrically connected fibres. Let $R$ be a strictly henselian discrete valuation ring and let $\Spec(R) \to S$ be a morphism. Let $\eta, s \in \Spec(R)$ be the generic and closed point. Then we can consider the specialization map $$ sp_R : \pi_1(X_{\overline{\eta}}) \to \pi_1(X_s) $$ for the base change $X_R/\Spec(R)$. Note that this makes sense as $s$ has algebraically closed residue field. \begin{lemma} \label{lemma-specialization-map-discrete-valuation-ring} Let $f : X \to S$ be a proper morphism with geometrically connected fibres. Let $s' \leadsto s$ be a specialization of points of $S$ and let $sp : \pi_1(X_{\overline{s}'}) \to \pi_1(X_{\overline{s}})$ be a specialization map. If $S$ is Noetherian, then there exists a strictly henselian discrete valuation ring $R$ over $S$ such that $sp$ is isomorphic to $sp_R$ defined above. \end{lemma} \begin{proof} Let $\mathcal{O}_{S, s} \to A$ be the strict henselization constructed using $\kappa(s) \to \kappa(\overline{s})$. Let $A \to \kappa(\overline{s}')$ be the map used to construct $sp$. Let $R \subset \kappa(\overline{s}')$ be a discrete valuation ring dominating the image of $A$, see Algebra, Lemma \ref{algebra-lemma-exists-dvr}. Choose a diagram of fields $$ \xymatrix{ \kappa(\overline{s}) \ar[r] & k \\ A/\mathfrak m_A \ar[r] \ar[u] & R/\mathfrak m_R \ar[u] } $$ with $k$ algebraically closed. Let $R^{sh}$ be the strict henselization of $R$ constructed using $R \to k$. We obtain a map $A \to R^{sh}$ from Algebra, Lemma \ref{algebra-lemma-strictly-henselian-functorial}. The ring $R^{sh}$ is a discrete valuation ring by More on Algebra, Lemma \ref{more-algebra-lemma-henselization-dvr}. Denote $\eta, o$ the generic and closed point of $\Spec(R^{sh})$. Since the diagram of schemes $$ \xymatrix{ \overline{\eta} \ar[d] \ar[r] & \Spec(R^{sh}) \ar[d] & \Spec(k) \ar[d] \ar[l] \\ \overline{s}' \ar[r] & \Spec(A) & \overline{s} \ar[l] } $$ commutes, we obtain a commutative diagram $$ \xymatrix{ \pi_1(X_{\overline{\eta}}) \ar[d] \ar[r]_{sp_{R^{sh}}} & \pi_1(X_o) \ar[d] \\ \pi_1(X_{\overline{s}'}) \ar[r]^{sp} & X_{\overline{s}} } $$ of specialization maps by the construction of these maps. Since the vertical arrows are isomorphisms (Lemma \ref{lemma-finite-etale-invariant-over-proper}), this proves the lemma. \end{proof} \section{Restriction to a closed subscheme} \label{section-lefschetz} \noindent In this section we prove some results about the restriction functor $$ \textit{F\'Et}_X \longrightarrow \textit{F\'Et}_Y,\quad U \longmapsto V = U \times_X Y $$ where $X$ is a scheme and $Y$ is a closed subscheme. Using the topological invariance of the fundamental group, we can relate the study of this functor to the completion functor on finite locally free modules. \medskip\noindent In the following lemmas we use the concept of coherent formal modules defined in Cohomology of Schemes, Section \ref{coherent-section-coherent-formal}. Given a Noetherian scheme and a quasi-coherent sheaf of ideals $\mathcal{I} \subset \mathcal{O}_X$ we will say an object $(\mathcal{F}_n)$ of $\textit{Coh}(X, \mathcal{I})$ is {\it finite locally free} if each $\mathcal{F}_n$ is a finite locally free $\mathcal{O}_X/\mathcal{I}^n$-module. \begin{lemma} \label{lemma-restriction-fully-faithful} Let $X$ be a Noetherian scheme and let $Y \subset X$ be a closed subscheme with ideal sheaf $\mathcal{I} \subset \mathcal{O}_X$. Assume the completion functor $$ \textit{Coh}(\mathcal{O}_X) \longrightarrow \textit{Coh}(X, \mathcal{I}),\quad \mathcal{F} \longmapsto \mathcal{F}^\wedge $$ is fully faithful on the full subcategory of finite locally free objects (see above). Then the restriction functor $\textit{F\'Et}_X \to \textit{F\'Et}_Y$ is fully faithful. \end{lemma} \begin{proof} Since the category of finite \'etale coverings has an internal hom (Lemma \ref{lemma-internal-hom-finite-etale}) it suffices to prove the following: Given $U$ finite \'etale over $X$ and a morphism $t : Y \to U$ over $X$ there exists a unique section $s : X \to U$ such that $t = s|_Y$. Picture $$ \xymatrix{ & U \ar[d]^f \\ Y \ar[r] \ar[ru] & X \ar@{..>}@/^1em/[u] } $$ Finding the dotted arrow $s$ is the same thing as finding an $\mathcal{O}_X$-algebra map $$ s^\sharp : f_*\mathcal{O}_U \longrightarrow \mathcal{O}_X $$ which reduces modulo the ideal sheaf of $Y$ to the given algebra map $t^\sharp : f_*\mathcal{O}_U \to \mathcal{O}_Y$. By Lemma \ref{lemma-thickening} we can lift $t$ uniquely to a compatible system of maps $t_n : Y_n \to U$ and hence a map $$ \lim t_n^\sharp : f_*\mathcal{O}_U \longrightarrow \lim \mathcal{O}_{Y_n} $$ of sheaves of algebras on $X$. Since $f_*\mathcal{O}_U$ is a finite locally free $\mathcal{O}_X$-module, we conclude that we get a unique $\mathcal{O}_X$-module map $\sigma : f_*\mathcal{O}_U \to \mathcal{O}_X$ whose completion is $\lim t_n^\sharp$. To see that $\sigma$ is an algebra homomorphism, we need to check that the diagram $$ \xymatrix{ f_*\mathcal{O}_U \otimes_{\mathcal{O}_X} f_*\mathcal{O}_U \ar[r] \ar[d]_{\sigma \otimes \sigma} & f_*\mathcal{O}_U \ar[d]^\sigma \\ \mathcal{O}_X \otimes_{\mathcal{O}_X} \mathcal{O}_X \ar[r] & \mathcal{O}_X } $$ commutes. For every $n$ we know this diagram commutes after restricting to $Y_n$, i.e., the diagram commutes after applying the completion functor. Hence by faithfulness of the completion functor we conclude. \end{proof} \begin{lemma} \label{lemma-restriction-equivalence} Let $X$ be a Noetherian scheme and let $Y \subset X$ be a closed subscheme with ideal sheaf $\mathcal{I} \subset \mathcal{O}_X$. Assume the completion functor $$ \textit{Coh}(\mathcal{O}_X) \longrightarrow \textit{Coh}(X, \mathcal{I}),\quad \mathcal{F} \longmapsto \mathcal{F}^\wedge $$ is an equivalence on full subcategories of finite locally free objects (see above). Then the restriction functor $\textit{F\'Et}_X \to \textit{F\'Et}_Y$ is an equivalence. \end{lemma} \begin{proof} The restriction functor is fully faithful by Lemma \ref{lemma-restriction-fully-faithful}. \medskip\noindent Let $U_1 \to Y$ be a finite \'etale morphism. To finish the proof we will show that $U_1$ is in the essential image of the restriction functor. \medskip\noindent For $n \geq 1$ let $Y_n$ be the $n$th infinitesimal neighbourhood of $Y$. By Lemma \ref{lemma-thickening} there is a unique finite \'etale morphism $\pi_n : U_n \to Y_n$ whose base change to $Y = Y_1$ recovers $U_1 \to Y_1$. Consider the sheaves $\mathcal{F}_n = \pi_{n, *}\mathcal{O}_{U_n}$. We may and do view $\mathcal{F}_n$ as an $\mathcal{O}_X$-module on $X$ which is locally isomorphic to $(\mathcal{O}_X/f^{n + 1}\mathcal{O}_X)^{\oplus r}$. This $(\mathcal{F}_n)$ is a finite locally free object of $\textit{Coh}(X, \mathcal{I})$. By assumption there exists a finite locally free $\mathcal{O}_X$-module $\mathcal{F}$ and a compatible system of isomorphisms $$ \mathcal{F}/\mathcal{I}^n\mathcal{F} \to \mathcal{F}_n $$ of $\mathcal{O}_X$-modules. \medskip\noindent To construct an algebra structure on $\mathcal{F}$ consider the multiplication maps $\mathcal{F}_n \otimes_{\mathcal{O}_X} \mathcal{F}_n \to \mathcal{F}_n$ coming from the fact that $\mathcal{F}_n = \pi_{n, *}\mathcal{O}_{U_n}$ are sheaves of algebras. These define a map $$ (\mathcal{F}\otimes_{\mathcal{O}_X} \mathcal{F})^\wedge \longrightarrow \mathcal{F}^\wedge $$ in the category $\textit{Coh}(X, \mathcal{I})$. Hence by assumption we may assume there is a map $\mu : \mathcal{F}\otimes_{\mathcal{O}_X} \mathcal{F} \to \mathcal{F}$ whose restriction to $Y_n$ gives the multiplication maps above. By faithfulness of the functor in the statement of the lemma, we conclude that $\mu$ defines a commutative $\mathcal{O}_X$-algebra structure on $\mathcal{F}$ compatible with the given algebra structures on $\mathcal{F}_n$. Setting $$ U = \underline{\Spec}_X((\mathcal{F}, \mu)) $$ we obtain a finite locally free scheme $\pi : U \to X$ whose restriction to $Y$ is isomorphic to $U_1$. The discriminant of $\pi$ is the zero set of the section $$ \det(Q_\pi) : \mathcal{O}_X \longrightarrow \wedge^{top}(\pi_*\mathcal{O}_U)^{\otimes -2} $$ constructed in Discriminants, Section \ref{discriminant-section-discriminant}. Since the restriction of this to $Y_n$ is an isomorphism for all $n$ by Discriminants, Lemma \ref{discriminant-lemma-discriminant} we conclude that it is an isomorphism. Thus $\pi$ is \'etale by Discriminants, Lemma \ref{discriminant-lemma-discriminant}. \end{proof} \begin{lemma} \label{lemma-restriction-fully-faithful-general} Let $X$ be a Noetherian scheme and let $Y \subset X$ be a closed subscheme with ideal sheaf $\mathcal{I} \subset \mathcal{O}_X$. Let $\mathcal{V}$ be the set of open subschemes $V \subset X$ containing $Y$ ordered by reverse inclusion. Assume the completion functor $$ \colim_\mathcal{V} \textit{Coh}(\mathcal{O}_V) \longrightarrow \textit{Coh}(X, \mathcal{I}), \quad \mathcal{F} \longmapsto \mathcal{F}^\wedge $$ defines is fully faithful on the full subcategory of finite locally free objects (see above). Then the restriction functor $\colim_\mathcal{V} \textit{F\'Et}_V \to \textit{F\'Et}_Y$ is fully faithful. \end{lemma} \begin{proof} Observe that $\mathcal{V}$ is a directed set, so the colimits are as in Categories, Section \ref{categories-section-directed-colimits}. The rest of the argument is almost exactly the same as the argument in the proof of Lemma \ref{lemma-restriction-fully-faithful}; we urge the reader to skip it. \medskip\noindent Since the category of finite \'etale coverings has an internal hom (Lemma \ref{lemma-internal-hom-finite-etale}) it suffices to prove the following: Given $U$ finite \'etale over $V \in \mathcal{V}$ and a morphism $t : Y \to U$ over $V$ there exists a $V' \geq V$ and a morphism $s : V' \to U$ over $V$ such that $t = s|_Y$. Picture $$ \xymatrix{ & & U \ar[d]^f \\ Y \ar[r] \ar[rru] & V' \ar@{..>}[ru] \ar[r] & V } $$ Finding the dotted arrow $s$ is the same thing as finding an $\mathcal{O}_{V'}$-algebra map $$ s^\sharp : f_*\mathcal{O}_U|_{V'} \longrightarrow \mathcal{O}_{V'} $$ which reduces modulo the ideal sheaf of $Y$ to the given algebra map $t^\sharp : f_*\mathcal{O}_U \to \mathcal{O}_Y$. By Lemma \ref{lemma-thickening} we can lift $t$ uniquely to a compatible system of maps $t_n : Y_n \to U$ and hence a map $$ \lim t_n^\sharp : f_*\mathcal{O}_U \longrightarrow \lim \mathcal{O}_{Y_n} $$ of sheaves of algebras on $V$. Observe that $f_*\mathcal{O}_U$ is a finite locally free $\mathcal{O}_V$-module. Hence we get a $V' \geq V$ a map $\sigma : f_*\mathcal{O}_U|_{V'} \to \mathcal{O}_{V'}$ whose completion is $\lim t_n^\sharp$. To see that $\sigma$ is an algebra homomorphism, we need to check that the diagram $$ \xymatrix{ (f_*\mathcal{O}_U \otimes_{\mathcal{O}_V} f_*\mathcal{O}_U)|_{V'} \ar[r] \ar[d]_{\sigma \otimes \sigma} & f_*\mathcal{O}_U|_{V'} \ar[d]^\sigma \\ \mathcal{O}_{V'} \otimes_{\mathcal{O}_{V'}} \mathcal{O}_{V'} \ar[r] & \mathcal{O}_{V'} } $$ commutes. For every $n$ we know this diagram commutes after restricting to $Y_n$, i.e., the diagram commutes after applying the completion functor. Hence by faithfulness of the completion functor we deduce that there exists a $V'' \geq V'$ such that $\sigma|_{V''}$ is an algebra homomorphism as desired. \end{proof} \begin{lemma} \label{lemma-restriction-equivalence-general} Let $X$ be a Noetherian scheme and let $Y \subset X$ be a closed subscheme with ideal sheaf $\mathcal{I} \subset \mathcal{O}_X$. Let $\mathcal{V}$ be the set of open subschemes $V \subset X$ containing $Y$ ordered by reverse inclusion. Assume the completion functor $$ \colim_\mathcal{V} \textit{Coh}(\mathcal{O}_V) \longrightarrow \textit{Coh}(X, \mathcal{I}), \quad \mathcal{F} \longmapsto \mathcal{F}^\wedge $$ defines an equivalence of the full subcategories of finite locally free objects (see explanation above). Then the restriction functor $$ \colim_\mathcal{V} \textit{F\'Et}_V \to \textit{F\'Et}_Y $$ is an equivalence. \end{lemma} \begin{proof} Observe that $\mathcal{V}$ is a directed set, so the colimits are as in Categories, Section \ref{categories-section-directed-colimits}. The rest of the argument is almost exactly the same as the argument in the proof of Lemma \ref{lemma-restriction-equivalence}; we urge the reader to skip it. \medskip\noindent The restriction functor is fully faithful by Lemma \ref{lemma-restriction-fully-faithful-general}. \medskip\noindent Let $U_1 \to Y$ be a finite \'etale morphism. To finish the proof we will show that $U_1$ is in the essential image of the restriction functor. \medskip\noindent For $n \geq 1$ let $Y_n$ be the $n$th infinitesimal neighbourhood of $Y$. By Lemma \ref{lemma-thickening} there is a unique finite \'etale morphism $\pi_n : U_n \to Y_n$ whose base change to $Y = Y_1$ recovers $U_1 \to Y_1$. Consider the sheaves $\mathcal{F}_n = \pi_{n, *}\mathcal{O}_{U_n}$. We may and do view $\mathcal{F}_n$ as an $\mathcal{O}_X$-module on $X$ which is locally isomorphic to $(\mathcal{O}_X/f^{n + 1}\mathcal{O}_X)^{\oplus r}$. This $(\mathcal{F}_n)$ is a finite locally free object of $\textit{Coh}(X, \mathcal{I})$. By assumption there exists a $V \in \mathcal{V}$ and a finite locally free $\mathcal{O}_V$-module $\mathcal{F}$ and a compatible system of isomorphisms $$ \mathcal{F}/\mathcal{I}^n\mathcal{F} \to \mathcal{F}_n $$ of $\mathcal{O}_V$-modules. \medskip\noindent To construct an algebra structure on $\mathcal{F}$ consider the multiplication maps $\mathcal{F}_n \otimes_{\mathcal{O}_V} \mathcal{F}_n \to \mathcal{F}_n$ coming from the fact that $\mathcal{F}_n = \pi_{n, *}\mathcal{O}_{U_n}$ are sheaves of algebras. These define a map $$ (\mathcal{F}\otimes_{\mathcal{O}_V} \mathcal{F})^\wedge \longrightarrow \mathcal{F}^\wedge $$ in the category $\textit{Coh}(X, \mathcal{I})$. Hence by assumption after shrinking $V$ we may assume there is a map $\mu : \mathcal{F}\otimes_{\mathcal{O}_V} \mathcal{F} \to \mathcal{F}$ whose restriction to $Y_n$ gives the multiplication maps above. After possibly shrinking further we may assume $\mu$ defines a commutative $\mathcal{O}_V$-algebra structure on $\mathcal{F}$ compatible with the given algebra structures on $\mathcal{F}_n$. Setting $$ U = \underline{\Spec}_V((\mathcal{F}, \mu)) $$ we obtain a finite locally free scheme over $V$ whose restriction to $Y$ is isomorphic to $U_1$. It follows that $U \to V$ is \'etale at all points lying over $Y$, see More on Morphisms, Lemma \ref{more-morphisms-lemma-check-smoothness-on-infinitesimal-nbhds}. Thus after shrinking $V$ once more we may assume $U \to V$ is finite \'etale. This finishes the proof. \end{proof} \begin{lemma} \label{lemma-restriction-faithful} Let $X$ be a scheme and let $Y \subset X$ be a closed subscheme. If every connected component of $X$ meets $Y$, then the restriction functor $\textit{F\'Et}_X \to \textit{F\'Et}_Y$ is faithful. \end{lemma} \begin{proof} Let $a, b : U \to U'$ be two morphisms of schemes finite \'etale over $X$ whose restriction to $Y$ are the same. The image of a connected component of $U$ is an connected component of $X$; this follows from Topology, Lemma \ref{topology-lemma-finite-fibre-connected-components} applied to the restriction of $U \to X$ to a connected component of $X$. Hence the image of every connected component of $U$ meets $Y$ by assumption. We conclude that $a = b$ after restriction to each connected component of $U$ by \'Etale Morphisms, Proposition \ref{etale-proposition-equality}. Since the equalizer of $a$ and $b$ is an open subscheme of $U$ (as the diagonal of $U'$ over $X$ is open) we conclude. \end{proof} \begin{lemma} \label{lemma-restriction-fully-faithful-special} Let $X$ be a Noetherian scheme and let $Y \subset X$ be a closed subscheme. Let $Y_n \subset X$ be the $n$th infinitesimal neighbourhood of $Y$ in $X$. Assume one of the following holds \begin{enumerate} \item $X$ is quasi-affine and $\Gamma(X, \mathcal{O}_X) \to \lim \Gamma(Y_n, \mathcal{O}_{Y_n})$ is an isomorphism, or \item $X$ has an ample invertible module $\mathcal{L}$ and $\Gamma(X, \mathcal{L}^{\otimes m}) \to \lim \Gamma(Y_n, \mathcal{L}^{\otimes m}|_{Y_n})$ is an isomorphism for all $m \gg 0$, or \item for every finite locally free $\mathcal{O}_X$-module $\mathcal{E}$ the map $\Gamma(X, \mathcal{E}) \to \lim \Gamma(Y_n, \mathcal{E}|_{Y_n})$ is an isomorphism. \end{enumerate} Then the restriction functor $\textit{F\'Et}_X \to \textit{F\'Et}_Y$ is fully faithful. \end{lemma} \begin{proof} This lemma follows formally from Lemma \ref{lemma-restriction-fully-faithful} and Algebraic and Formal Geometry, Lemma \ref{algebraization-lemma-completion-fully-faithful}. \end{proof} \begin{lemma} \label{lemma-restriction-fully-faithful-general-special} Let $X$ be a Noetherian scheme and let $Y \subset X$ be a closed subscheme. Let $Y_n \subset X$ be the $n$th infinitesimal neighbourhood of $Y$ in $X$. Let $\mathcal{V}$ be the set of open subschemes $V \subset X$ containing $Y$ ordered by reverse inclusion. Assume one of the following holds \begin{enumerate} \item $X$ is quasi-affine and $$ \colim_\mathcal{V} \Gamma(V, \mathcal{O}_V) \longrightarrow \lim \Gamma(Y_n, \mathcal{O}_{Y_n}) $$ is an isomorphism, or \item $X$ has an ample invertible module $\mathcal{L}$ and $$ \colim_\mathcal{V} \Gamma(V, \mathcal{L}^{\otimes m}) \longrightarrow \lim \Gamma(Y_n, \mathcal{L}^{\otimes m}|_{Y_n}) $$ is an isomorphism for all $m \gg 0$, or \item for every $V \in \mathcal{V}$ and every finite locally free $\mathcal{O}_V$-module $\mathcal{E}$ the map $$ \colim_{V' \geq V} \Gamma(V', \mathcal{E}|_{V'}) \longrightarrow \lim \Gamma(Y_n, \mathcal{E}|_{Y_n}) $$ is an isomorphism. \end{enumerate} Then the functor $$ \colim_\mathcal{V} \textit{F\'Et}_V \to \textit{F\'Et}_Y $$ is fully faithful. \end{lemma} \begin{proof} This lemma follows formally from Lemma \ref{lemma-restriction-fully-faithful-general} and Algebraic and Formal Geometry, Lemma \ref{algebraization-lemma-completion-fully-faithful-general}. \end{proof} \section{Pushouts and fundamental groups} \label{section-pushouts} \noindent Here is the main result. \begin{lemma} \label{lemma-pushout-along-closed-immersion-and-integral} In More on Morphisms, Situation \ref{more-morphisms-situation-pushout-along-closed-immersion-and-integral}, for example if $Z \to Y$ and $Z \to X$ are closed immersions of schemes, there is an equivalence of categories $$ \textit{F\'Et}_{Y \amalg_Z X} \longrightarrow \textit{F\'Et}_Y \times_{\textit{F\'Et}_Z} \textit{F\'Et}_X $$ \end{lemma} \begin{proof} The pushout exists by More on Morphisms, Proposition \ref{more-morphisms-proposition-pushout-along-closed-immersion-and-integral}. The functor is given by sending a scheme $U$ finite \'etale over the pushout to the base changes $Y' = U \times_{Y \amalg_Z X} Y$ and $X' = U \times_{Y \amalg_Z X} X$ and the natural isomorphism $Y' \times_Y Z \to X' \times_X Z$ over $Z$. To prove this functor is an equivalence we use More on Morphisms, Lemma \ref{more-morphisms-lemma-pushout-functor-equivalence-flat} to construct a quasi-inverse functor. The only thing left to prove is to show that given a morphism $U \to Y \amalg_Z X$ which is separated, quasi-finite and \'etale such that $X' \to X$ and $Y' \to Y$ are finite, then $U \to Y \amalg_Z X$ is finite. This can either be deduced from the corresponding algebra fact (More on Algebra, Lemma \ref{more-algebra-lemma-finite-module-over-fibre-product}) or it can be seen because $$ X' \amalg Y' \to U $$ is surjective and $X'$ and $Y'$ are proper over $Y \amalg_Z X$ (this uses the description of the pushout in More on Morphisms, Proposition \ref{more-morphisms-proposition-pushout-along-closed-immersion-and-integral}) and then we can apply Morphisms, Lemma \ref{morphisms-lemma-scheme-theoretic-image-is-proper} to conclude that $U$ is proper over $Y \amalg_Z X$. Since a quasi-finite and proper morphism is finite (More on Morphisms, Lemma \ref{more-morphisms-lemma-characterize-finite}) we win. \end{proof} \section{Finite \'etale covers of punctured spectra, I} \label{section-pi1-punctured-spec} \noindent We first prove some results \'a la Lefschetz. \begin{situation} \label{situation-local-lefschetz} Let $(A, \mathfrak m)$ be a Noetherian local ring and $f \in \mathfrak m$. We set $X = \Spec(A)$ and $X_0 = \Spec(A/fA)$ and we let $U = X \setminus \{\mathfrak m\}$ and $U_0 = X_0 \setminus \{\mathfrak m\}$ be the punctured spectrum of $A$ and $A/fA$. \end{situation} \noindent Recall that for a scheme $X$ the category of schemes finite \'etale over $X$ is denoted $\textit{F\'Et}_X$, see Section \ref{section-finite-etale}. In Situation \ref{situation-local-lefschetz} we will study the base change functors $$ \xymatrix{ \textit{F\'Et}_X \ar[d] \ar[r] & \textit{F\'Et}_U \ar[d] \\ \textit{F\'Et}_{X_0} \ar[r] & \textit{F\'Et}_{U_0} } $$ In many case the right vertical arrow is faithful. \begin{lemma} \label{lemma-faithful} In Situation \ref{situation-local-lefschetz}. Assume one of the following holds \begin{enumerate} \item $\dim(A/\mathfrak p) \geq 2$ for every minimal prime $\mathfrak p \subset A$ with $f \not \in \mathfrak p$, or \item every connected component of $U$ meets $U_0$. \end{enumerate} Then $$ \textit{F\'Et}_U \longrightarrow \textit{F\'Et}_{U_0},\quad V \longmapsto V_0 = V \times_U U_0 $$ is a faithful functor. \end{lemma} \begin{proof} Case (2) is immediate from Lemma \ref{lemma-restriction-faithful}. Assumption (1) implies every irreducible component of $U$ meets $U_0$, see Algebra, Lemma \ref{algebra-lemma-one-equation}. Hence (1) follows from (2). \end{proof} \noindent Before we prove something more interesting, we need a couple of lemmas. \begin{lemma} \label{lemma-fill-in-missing} In Situation \ref{situation-local-lefschetz}. Let $V \to U$ be a finite morphism. Let $A^\wedge$ be the $\mathfrak m$-adic completion of $A$, let $X' = \Spec(A^\wedge)$ and let $U'$ and $V'$ be the base changes of $U$ and $V$ to $X'$. If $Y' \to X'$ is a finite morphism such that $V' = Y' \times_{X'} U'$, then there exists a finite morphism $Y \to X$ such that $V = Y \times_X U$ and $Y' = Y \times_X X'$. \end{lemma} \begin{proof} This is a straightforward application of More on Algebra, Proposition \ref{more-algebra-proposition-equivalence}. Namely, choose generators $f_1, \ldots, f_t$ of $\mathfrak m$. For each $i$ write $V \times_U D(f_i) = \Spec(B_i)$. For $1 \leq i, j \leq n$ we obtain an isomorphism $\alpha_{ij} : (B_i)_{f_j} \to (B_j)_{f_i}$ of $A_{f_if_j}$-algebras because the spectrum of both represent $V \times_U D(f_if_j)$. Write $Y' = \Spec(B')$. Since $V \times_U U' = Y \times_{X'} U'$ we get isomorphisms $\alpha_i : B'_{f_i} \to B_i \otimes_A A^\wedge$. A straightforward argument shows that $(B', B_i, \alpha_i, \alpha_{ij})$ is an object of $\text{Glue}(A \to A^\wedge, f_1, \ldots, f_t)$, see More on Algebra, Remark \ref{more-algebra-remark-glueing-data}. Applying the proposition cited above (and using More on Algebra, Remark \ref{more-algebra-remark-formal-glueing-algebras} to obtain the algebra structure) we find an $A$-algebra $B$ such that $\text{Can}(B)$ is isomorphic to $(B', B_i, \alpha_i, \alpha_{ij})$. Setting $Y = \Spec(B)$ we see that $Y \to X$ is a morphism which comes equipped with compatible isomorphisms $V \cong Y \times_X U$ and $Y' = Y \times_X X'$ as desired. \end{proof} \begin{lemma} \label{lemma-fully-faithful-henselian-completion} In Situation \ref{situation-local-lefschetz} assume $A$ is henselian or more generally that $(A, (f))$ is a henselian pair. Let $A^\wedge$ be the $\mathfrak m$-adic completion of $A$, let $X' = \Spec(A^\wedge)$ and let $U'$ and $U'_0$ be the base changes of $U$ and $U_0$ to $X'$. If $\textit{F\'Et}_{U'} \to \textit{F\'Et}_{U'_0}$ is fully faithful, then $\textit{F\'Et}_U \to \textit{F\'Et}_{U_0}$ is fully faithful. \end{lemma} \begin{proof} Assume $\textit{F\'Et}_{U'} \longrightarrow \textit{F\'Et}_{U'_0}$ is a fully faithful. Since $X' \to X$ is faithfully flat, it is immediate that the functor $V \to V_0 = V \times_U U_0$ is faithful. Since the category of finite \'etale coverings has an internal hom (Lemma \ref{lemma-internal-hom-finite-etale}) it suffices to prove the following: Given $V$ finite \'etale over $U$ we have $$ \Mor_U(U, V) = \Mor_{U_0}(U_0, V_0) $$ The we assume we have a morphism $s_0 : U_0 \to V_0$ over $U_0$ and we will produce a morphism $s : U \to V$ over $U$. \medskip\noindent By our assumption there does exist a morphism $s' : U' \to V'$ whose restriction to $V'_0$ is the base change $s'_0$ of $s_0$. Since $V' \to U'$ is finite \'etale this means that $V' = s'(U') \amalg W'$ for some $W' \to U'$ finite and \'etale. Choose a finite morphism $Z' \to X'$ such that $W' = Z' \times_{X'} U'$. This is possible by Zariski's main theorem in the form stated in More on Morphisms, Lemma \ref{more-morphisms-lemma-quasi-finite-separated-pass-through-finite} (small detail omitted). Then $$ V' = s'(U') \amalg W' \longrightarrow X' \amalg Z' = Y' $$ is an open immersion such that $V' = Y' \times_{X'} U'$. By Lemma \ref{lemma-fill-in-missing} we can find $Y \to X$ finite such that $V = Y \times_X U$ and $Y' = Y \times_X X'$. Write $Y = \Spec(B)$ so that $Y' = \Spec(B \otimes_A A^\wedge)$. Then $B \otimes_A A^\wedge$ has an idempotent $e'$ corresponding to the open and closed subscheme $X'$ of $Y' = X' \amalg Z'$. \medskip\noindent The case $A$ is henselian (slightly easier). The image $\overline{e}$ of $e'$ in $B \otimes_A \kappa(\mathfrak m) = B/\mathfrak mB$ lifts to an idempotent $e$ of $B$ as $A$ is henselian (because $B$ is a product of local rings by Algebra, Lemma \ref{algebra-lemma-characterize-henselian}). Then we see that $e$ maps to $e'$ by uniqueness of lifts of idempotents (using that $B \otimes_A A^\wedge$ is a product of local rings). Let $Y_1 \subset Y$ be the open and closed subscheme corresponding to $e$. Then $Y_1 \times_X X' = s'(X')$ which implies that $Y_1 \to X$ is an isomorphism (by faithfully flat descent) and gives the desired section. \medskip\noindent The case where $(A, (f))$ is a henselian pair. Here we use that $s'$ is a lift of $s'_0$. Namely, let $Y_{0, 1} \subset Y_0 = Y \times_X X_0$ be the closure of $s_0(U_0) \subset V_0 = Y_0 \times_{X_0} U_0$. As $X' \to X$ is flat, the base change $Y'_{0, 1} \subset Y'_0$ is the closure of $s'_0(U'_0)$ which is equal to $X'_0 \subset Y'_0$ (see Morphisms, Lemma \ref{morphisms-lemma-flat-base-change-scheme-theoretic-image}). Since $Y'_0 \to Y_0$ is submersive (Morphisms, Lemma \ref{morphisms-lemma-fpqc-quotient-topology}) we conclude that $Y_{0, 1}$ is open and closed in $Y_0$. Let $e_0 \in B/fB$ be the corresponding idempotent. By More on Algebra, Lemma \ref{more-algebra-lemma-characterize-henselian-pair} we can lift $e_0$ to an idempotent $e \in B$. Then we conclude as before. \end{proof} \noindent In Situation \ref{situation-local-lefschetz} fully faithfulness of the restriction functor $\textit{F\'Et}_U \longrightarrow \textit{F\'Et}_{U_0}$ holds under fairly mild assumptions. In particular, the assumptions often do not imply $U$ is a connected scheme, but the conclusion guarantees that $U$ and $U_0$ have the same number of connected components. \begin{lemma} \label{lemma-fully-faithful-simple} In Situation \ref{situation-local-lefschetz}. Assume \begin{enumerate} \item[(a)] $A$ has a dualizing complex, \item[(b)] the pair $(A, (f))$ is henselian, \item[(c)] one of the following is true \begin{enumerate} \item[(i)] $A_f$ is $(S_2)$ and every irreducible component of $X$ not contained in $X_0$ has dimension $\geq 3$, or \item[(ii)] for every prime $\mathfrak p \subset A$, $f \not \in \mathfrak p$ we have $\text{depth}(A_\mathfrak p) + \dim(A/\mathfrak p) > 2$. \end{enumerate} \end{enumerate} Then the restriction functor $\textit{F\'Et}_U \longrightarrow \textit{F\'Et}_{U_0}$ is fully faithful. \end{lemma} \begin{proof} Let $A'$ be the $\mathfrak m$-adic completion of $A$. We will show that the hypotheses remain true for $A'$. This is clear for conditions (a) and (b). Condition (c)(ii) is preserved by Local Cohomology, Lemma \ref{local-cohomology-lemma-change-completion}. Next, assume (c)(i) holds. Since $A$ is universally catenary (Dualizing Complexes, Lemma \ref{dualizing-lemma-universally-catenary}) we see that every irreducible component of $\Spec(A')$ not contained in $V(f)$ has dimension $\geq 3$, see More on Algebra, Proposition \ref{more-algebra-proposition-ratliff}. Since $A \to A'$ is flat with Gorenstein fibres, the condition that $A_f$ is $(S_2)$ implies that $A'_f$ is $(S_2)$. References used: Dualizing Complexes, Section \ref{dualizing-section-formal-fibres}, More on Algebra, Section \ref{more-algebra-section-properties-formal-fibres}, and Algebra, Lemma \ref{algebra-lemma-Sk-goes-up}. Thus by Lemma \ref{lemma-fully-faithful-henselian-completion} we may assume that $A$ is a Noetherian complete local ring. \medskip\noindent Assume $A$ is a complete local ring in addition to the other assumptions. By Lemma \ref{lemma-restriction-fully-faithful} the result follows from Algebraic and Formal Geometry, Lemma \ref{algebraization-lemma-fully-faithful-simple-two}. \end{proof} \begin{lemma} \label{lemma-fully-faithful-minimal} \begin{reference} \cite[Corollary 1.11]{Bhatt-local} \end{reference} In Situation \ref{situation-local-lefschetz}. Assume \begin{enumerate} \item $H^1_\mathfrak m(A)$ and $H^2_\mathfrak m(A)$ are annihilated by a power of $f$, and \item $A$ is henselian or more generally $(A, (f))$ is a henselian pair. \end{enumerate} Then the restriction functor $\textit{F\'Et}_U \longrightarrow \textit{F\'Et}_{U_0}$ is fully faithful. \end{lemma} \begin{proof} By Lemma \ref{lemma-fully-faithful-henselian-completion} we may assume that $A$ is a Noetherian complete local ring. (The assumptions carry over; use Dualizing Complexes, Lemma \ref{dualizing-lemma-torsion-change-rings}.) By Lemma \ref{lemma-restriction-fully-faithful} the result follows from Algebraic and Formal Geometry, Lemma \ref{algebraization-lemma-fully-faithful-alternative}. \end{proof} \begin{lemma} \label{lemma-fully-faithful} In Situation \ref{situation-local-lefschetz} assume $A$ has depth $\geq 3$ and $A$ is henselian or more generally $(A, (f))$ is a henselian pair. Then the restriction functor $\textit{F\'Et}_U \to \textit{F\'Et}_{U_0}$ is fully faithful. \end{lemma} \begin{proof} The assumption of depth forces $H^1_\mathfrak m(A) = H^2_\mathfrak m(A) = 0$, see Dualizing Complexes, Lemma \ref{dualizing-lemma-depth}. Hence Lemma \ref{lemma-fully-faithful-minimal} applies. \end{proof} \section{Purity in local case, I} \label{section-local-purity} \noindent Let $(A, \mathfrak m)$ be a Noetherian local ring. Set $X = \Spec(A)$ and let $U = X \setminus \{\mathfrak m\}$ be the punctured spectrum. We say {\it purity holds for $(A, \mathfrak m)$} if the restriction functor $$ \textit{F\'Et}_X \longrightarrow \textit{F\'Et}_U $$ is essentially surjective. In this section we try to understand how the question changes when one passes from $X$ to a hypersurface $X_0$ in $X$, in other words, we study a kind of local Lefschetz property for the fundamental groups of punctured spectra. These results will be useful to proceed by induction on dimension in the proofs of our main results on local purity, namely, Lemma \ref{lemma-local-purity}, Proposition \ref{proposition-purity-complete-intersection}, and Proposition \ref{proposition-purity-smooth-over-depth2}. \begin{lemma} \label{lemma-sections-over-punctured-spec} Let $(A, \mathfrak m)$ be a Noetherian local ring. Set $X = \Spec(A)$ and let $U = X \setminus \{\mathfrak m\}$. Let $\pi : Y \to X$ be a finite morphism such that $\text{depth}(\mathcal{O}_{Y, y}) \geq 2$ for all closed points $y \in Y$. Then $Y$ is the spectrum of $B = \mathcal{O}_Y(\pi^{-1}(U))$. \end{lemma} \begin{proof} Set $V = \pi^{-1}(U)$ and denote $\pi' : V \to U$ the restriction of $\pi$. Consider the $\mathcal{O}_X$-module map $$ \pi_*\mathcal{O}_Y \longrightarrow j_*\pi'_*\mathcal{O}_V $$ where $j : U \to X$ is the inclusion morphism. We claim Divisors, Lemma \ref{divisors-lemma-depth-2-hartog} applies to this map. If so, then $B = \Gamma(Y, \mathcal{O}_Y)$ and we see that the lemma holds. Let $x \in X$ be the closed point. It suffices to show that $\text{depth}((\pi_*\mathcal{O}_Y)_x) \geq 2$. Let $y_1, \ldots, y_n \in Y$ be the points mapping to $x$. By Algebra, Lemma \ref{algebra-lemma-depth-goes-down-finite} it suffices to show that $\text{depth}(\mathcal{O}_{Y, y_i}) \geq 2$ for $i = 1, \ldots, n$. Since this is the assumption of the lemma the proof is complete. \end{proof} \begin{lemma} \label{lemma-reformulate-purity} Let $(A, \mathfrak m)$ be a Noetherian local ring. Set $X = \Spec(A)$ and let $U = X \setminus \{\mathfrak m\}$. Let $V$ be finite \'etale over $U$. Assume $A$ has depth $\geq 2$. The following are equivalent \begin{enumerate} \item $V = Y \times_X U$ for some $Y \to X$ finite \'etale, \item $B = \Gamma(V, \mathcal{O}_V)$ is finite \'etale over $A$. \end{enumerate} \end{lemma} \begin{proof} Denote $\pi : V \to U$ the given finite \'etale morphism. Assume $Y$ as in (1) exists. Let $x \in X$ be the point corresponding to $\mathfrak m$. Let $y \in Y$ be a point mapping to $x$. We claim that $\text{depth}(\mathcal{O}_{Y, y}) \geq 2$. This is true because $Y \to X$ is \'etale and hence $A = \mathcal{O}_{X, x}$ and $\mathcal{O}_{Y, y}$ have the same depth (Algebra, Lemma \ref{algebra-lemma-apply-grothendieck}). Hence Lemma \ref{lemma-sections-over-punctured-spec} applies and $Y = \Spec(B)$. \medskip\noindent The implication (2) $\Rightarrow$ (1) is easier and the details are omitted. \end{proof} \begin{lemma} \label{lemma-reformulate-purity-normal} Let $(A, \mathfrak m)$ be a Noetherian local ring. Set $X = \Spec(A)$ and let $U = X \setminus \{\mathfrak m\}$. Assume $A$ is normal of dimension $\geq 2$. The functor $$ \textit{F\'Et}_U \longrightarrow \left\{ \begin{matrix} \text{finite normal }A\text{-algebras }B\text{ such} \\ \text{that }\Spec(B) \to X\text{ is \'etale over }U \end{matrix} \right\}, \quad V \longmapsto \Gamma(V, \mathcal{O}_V) $$ is an equivalence. Moreover, $V = Y \times_X U$ for some $Y \to X$ finite \'etale if and only if $B = \Gamma(V, \mathcal{O}_V)$ is finite \'etale over $A$. \end{lemma} \begin{proof} Observe that $\text{depth}(A) \geq 2$ because $A$ is normal (Serre's criterion for normality, Algebra, Lemma \ref{algebra-lemma-criterion-normal}). Thus the final statement follows from Lemma \ref{lemma-reformulate-purity}. Given $\pi : V \to U$ finite \'etale, set $B = \Gamma(V, \mathcal{O}_V)$. If we can show that $B$ is normal and finite over $A$, then we obtain the displayed functor. Since there is an obvious quasi-inverse functor, this is also all that we have to show. \medskip\noindent Since $A$ is normal, the scheme $V$ is normal (Descent, Lemma \ref{descent-lemma-normal-local-smooth}). Hence $V$ is a finite disjoint union of integral schemes (Properties, Lemma \ref{properties-lemma-normal-Noetherian}). Thus we may assume $V$ is integral. In this case the function field $L$ of $V$ (Morphisms, Section \ref{morphisms-section-rational-maps}) is a finite separable extension of the fraction field of $A$ (because we get it by looking at the generic fibre of $V \to U$ and using Morphisms, Lemma \ref{morphisms-lemma-etale-over-field}). By Algebra, Lemma \ref{algebra-lemma-Noetherian-normal-domain-finite-separable-extension} the integral closure $B' \subset L$ of $A$ in $L$ is finite over $A$. By More on Algebra, Lemma \ref{more-algebra-lemma-integral-closure-reflexive} we see that $B'$ is a reflexive $A$-module, which in turn implies that $\text{depth}_A(B') \geq 2$ by More on Algebra, Lemma \ref{more-algebra-lemma-reflexive-over-normal}. \medskip\noindent Let $f \in \mathfrak m$. Then $B_f = \Gamma(V \times_U D(f), \mathcal{O}_V)$ (Properties, Lemma \ref{properties-lemma-invert-f-sections}). Hence $B'_f = B_f$ because $B_f$ is normal (see above), finite over $A_f$ with fraction field $L$. It follows that $V = \Spec(B') \times_X U$. Then we conclude that $B = B'$ from Lemma \ref{lemma-sections-over-punctured-spec} applied to $\Spec(B') \to X$. This lemma applies because the localizations $B'_{\mathfrak m'}$ of $B'$ at maximal ideals $\mathfrak m' \subset B'$ lying over $\mathfrak m$ have depth $\geq 2$ by Algebra, Lemma \ref{algebra-lemma-depth-goes-down-finite} and the remark on depth in the preceding paragraph. \end{proof} \begin{lemma} \label{lemma-purity-and-completion} Let $(A, \mathfrak m)$ be a Noetherian local ring. Set $X = \Spec(A)$ and let $U = X \setminus \{\mathfrak m\}$. Let $V$ be finite \'etale over $U$. Let $A^\wedge$ be the $\mathfrak m$-adic completion of $A$, let $X' = \Spec(A^\wedge)$ and let $U'$ and $V'$ be the base changes of $U$ and $V$ to $X'$. The following are equivalent \begin{enumerate} \item $V = Y \times_X U$ for some $Y \to X$ finite \'etale, and \item $V' = Y' \times_{X'} U'$ for some $Y' \to X'$ finite \'etale. \end{enumerate} \end{lemma} \begin{proof} The implication (1) $\Rightarrow$ (2) follows from taking the base change of a solution $Y \to X$. Let $Y' \to X'$ be as in (2). By Lemma \ref{lemma-fill-in-missing} we can find $Y \to X$ finite such that $V = Y \times_X U$ and $Y' = Y \times_X X'$. By descent we see that $Y \to X$ is finite \'etale (Algebra, Lemmas \ref{algebra-lemma-descend-properties-modules} and \ref{algebra-lemma-etale}). This finishes the proof. \end{proof} \noindent The point of the following two lemmas is that the assumptions do not force $A$ to have depth $\geq 3$. For example if $A$ is a complete normal local domain of dimension $\geq 3$ and $f \in \mathfrak m$ is nonzero, then the assumptions are satisfied. \begin{lemma} \label{lemma-lift-simple} In Situation \ref{situation-local-lefschetz}. Let $V$ be finite \'etale over $U$. Assume \begin{enumerate} \item[(a)] $A$ has a dualizing complex, \item[(b)] the pair $(A, (f))$ is henselian, \item[(c)] one of the following is true \begin{enumerate} \item[(i)] $A_f$ is $(S_2)$ and every irreducible component of $X$ not contained in $X_0$ has dimension $\geq 3$, or \item[(ii)] for every prime $\mathfrak p \subset A$, $f \not \in \mathfrak p$ we have $\text{depth}(A_\mathfrak p) + \dim(A/\mathfrak p) > 2$. \end{enumerate} \item[(d)] $V_0 = V \times_U U_0$ is equal to $Y_0 \times_{X_0} U_0$ for some $Y_0 \to X_0$ finite \'etale. \end{enumerate} Then $V = Y \times_X U$ for some $Y \to X$ finite \'etale. \end{lemma} \begin{proof} We reduce to the complete case using Lemma \ref{lemma-purity-and-completion}. (The assumptions carry over; see proof of Lemma \ref{lemma-fully-faithful-simple}.) \medskip\noindent In the complete case we can lift $Y_0 \to X_0$ to a finite \'etale morphism $Y \to X$ by More on Algebra, Lemma \ref{more-algebra-lemma-finite-etale-equivalence}; observe that $(A, fA)$ is a henselian pair by More on Algebra, Lemma \ref{more-algebra-lemma-complete-henselian}. Then we can use Lemma \ref{lemma-fully-faithful-simple} to see that $V$ is isomorphic to $Y \times_X U$ and the proof is complete. \end{proof} \begin{lemma} \label{lemma-lift-purity-general} In Situation \ref{situation-local-lefschetz}. Let $V$ be finite \'etale over $U$. Assume \begin{enumerate} \item $H^1_\mathfrak m(A)$ and $H^2_\mathfrak m(A)$ are annihilated by a power of $f$, \item $V_0 = V \times_U U_0$ is equal to $Y_0 \times_{X_0} U_0$ for some $Y_0 \to X_0$ finite \'etale. \end{enumerate} Then $V = Y \times_X U$ for some $Y \to X$ finite \'etale. \end{lemma} \begin{proof} We reduce to the complete case using Lemma \ref{lemma-purity-and-completion}. (The assumptions carry over; use Dualizing Complexes, Lemma \ref{dualizing-lemma-torsion-change-rings}.) \medskip\noindent In the complete case we can lift $Y_0 \to X_0$ to a finite \'etale morphism $Y \to X$ by More on Algebra, Lemma \ref{more-algebra-lemma-finite-etale-equivalence}; observe that $(A, fA)$ is a henselian pair by More on Algebra, Lemma \ref{more-algebra-lemma-complete-henselian}. Then we can use Lemma \ref{lemma-fully-faithful-minimal} to see that $V$ is isomorphic to $Y \times_X U$ and the proof is complete. \end{proof} \begin{lemma} \label{lemma-lift-purity} In Situation \ref{situation-local-lefschetz}. Let $V$ be finite \'etale over $U$. Assume \begin{enumerate} \item $A$ has depth $\geq 3$, \item $V_0 = V \times_U U_0$ is equal to $Y_0 \times_{X_0} U_0$ for some $Y_0 \to X_0$ finite \'etale. \end{enumerate} Then $V = Y \times_X U$ for some $Y \to X$ finite \'etale. \end{lemma} \begin{proof} The assumption of depth forces $H^1_\mathfrak m(A) = H^2_\mathfrak m(A) = 0$, see Dualizing Complexes, Lemma \ref{dualizing-lemma-depth}. Hence Lemma \ref{lemma-lift-purity-general} applies. \end{proof} \section{Purity of branch locus} \label{section-purity} \noindent We will use the discriminant of a finite locally free morphism. See Discriminants, Section \ref{discriminant-section-discriminant}. \begin{lemma} \label{lemma-find-point-codim-1} Let $(A, \mathfrak m)$ be a Noetherian local ring with $\dim(A) \geq 1$. Let $f \in \mathfrak m$. Then there exist a $\mathfrak p \in V(f)$ with $\dim(A_\mathfrak p) = 1$. \end{lemma} \begin{proof} By induction on $\dim(A)$. If $\dim(A) = 1$, then $\mathfrak p = \mathfrak m$ works. If $\dim(A) > 1$, then let $Z \subset \Spec(A)$ be an irreducible component of dimension $> 1$. Then $V(f) \cap Z$ has dimension $> 0$ (Algebra, Lemma \ref{algebra-lemma-one-equation}). Pick a prime $\mathfrak q \in V(f) \cap Z$, $\mathfrak q \not = \mathfrak m$ corresponding to a closed point of the punctured spectrum of $A$; this is possible by Properties, Lemma \ref{properties-lemma-complement-closed-point-Jacobson}. Then $\mathfrak q$ is not the generic point of $Z$. Hence $0 < \dim(A_\mathfrak q) < \dim(A)$ and $f \in \mathfrak q A_\mathfrak q$. By induction on the dimension we can find $f \in \mathfrak p \subset A_\mathfrak q$ with $\dim((A_\mathfrak q)_\mathfrak p) = 1$. Then $\mathfrak p \cap A$ works. \end{proof} \begin{lemma} \label{lemma-ramification-quasi-finite-flat} Let $f : X \to Y$ be a morphism of locally Noetherian schemes. Let $x \in X$. Assume \begin{enumerate} \item $f$ is flat, \item $f$ is quasi-finite at $x$, \item $x$ is not a generic point of an irreducible component of $X$, \item for specializations $x' \leadsto x$ with $\dim(\mathcal{O}_{X, x'}) = 1$ our $f$ is unramified at $x'$. \end{enumerate} Then $f$ is \'etale at $x$. \end{lemma} \begin{proof} Observe that the set of points where $f$ is unramified is the same as the set of points where $f$ is \'etale and that this set is open. See Morphisms, Definitions \ref{morphisms-definition-unramified} and \ref{morphisms-definition-etale} and Lemma \ref{morphisms-lemma-flat-unramified-etale}. To check $f$ is \'etale at $x$ we may work \'etale locally on the base and on the target (Descent, Lemmas \ref{descent-lemma-descending-property-etale} and \ref{descent-lemma-etale-etale-local-source}). Thus we can apply More on Morphisms, Lemma \ref{more-morphisms-lemma-etale-makes-quasi-finite-finite-at-point} and assume that $f : X \to Y$ is finite and that $x$ is the unique point of $X$ lying over $y = f(x)$. Then it follows that $f$ is finite locally free (Morphisms, Lemma \ref{morphisms-lemma-finite-flat}). \medskip\noindent Assume $f$ is finite locally free and that $x$ is the unique point of $X$ lying over $y = f(x)$. By Discriminants, Lemma \ref{discriminant-lemma-discriminant} we find a locally principal closed subscheme $D_\pi \subset Y$ such that $y' \in D_\pi$ if and only if there exists an $x' \in X$ with $f(x') = y'$ and $f$ ramified at $x'$. Thus we have to prove that $y \not \in D_\pi$. Assume $y \in D_\pi$ to get a contradiction. \medskip\noindent By condition (3) we have $\dim(\mathcal{O}_{X, x}) \geq 1$. We have $\dim(\mathcal{O}_{X, x}) = \dim(\mathcal{O}_{Y, y})$ by Algebra, Lemma \ref{algebra-lemma-dimension-base-fibre-equals-total}. By Lemma \ref{lemma-find-point-codim-1} we can find $y' \in D_\pi$ specializing to $y$ with $\dim(\mathcal{O}_{Y, y'}) = 1$. Choose $x' \in X$ with $f(x') = y'$ where $f$ is ramified. Since $f$ is finite it is closed, and hence $x' \leadsto x$. We have $\dim(\mathcal{O}_{X, x'}) = \dim(\mathcal{O}_{Y, y'}) = 1$ as before. This contradicts property (4). \end{proof} \begin{lemma} \label{lemma-local-purity} Let $(A, \mathfrak m)$ be a regular local ring of dimension $d \geq 2$. Set $X = \Spec(A)$ and $U = X \setminus \{\mathfrak m\}$. Then \begin{enumerate} \item the functor $\textit{F\'Et}_X \to \textit{F\'Et}_U$ is essentially surjective, i.e., purity holds for $A$, \item any finite $A \to B$ with $B$ normal which induces a finite \'etale morphism on punctured spectra is \'etale. \end{enumerate} \end{lemma} \begin{proof} Recall that a regular local ring is normal by Algebra, Lemma \ref{algebra-lemma-regular-normal}. Hence (1) and (2) are equivalent by Lemma \ref{lemma-reformulate-purity-normal}. We prove the lemma by induction on $d$. \medskip\noindent The case $d = 2$. In this case $A \to B$ is flat. Namely, we have going down for $A \to B$ by Algebra, Proposition \ref{algebra-proposition-going-down-normal-integral}. Then $\dim(B_{\mathfrak m'}) = 2$ for all maximal ideals $\mathfrak m' \subset B$ by Algebra, Lemma \ref{algebra-lemma-dimension-base-fibre-equals-total}. Then $B_{\mathfrak m'}$ is Cohen-Macaulay by Algebra, Lemma \ref{algebra-lemma-criterion-normal}. Hence and this is the important step Algebra, Lemma \ref{algebra-lemma-CM-over-regular-flat} applies to show $A \to B_{\mathfrak m'}$ is flat. Then Algebra, Lemma \ref{algebra-lemma-flat-localization} shows $A \to B$ is flat. Thus we can apply Lemma \ref{lemma-ramification-quasi-finite-flat} (or you can directly argue using the easier Discriminants, Lemma \ref{discriminant-lemma-discriminant}) to see that $A \to B$ is \'etale. \medskip\noindent The case $d \geq 3$. Let $V \to U$ be finite \'etale. Let $f \in \mathfrak m_A$, $f \not \in \mathfrak m_A^2$. Then $A/fA$ is a regular local ring of dimension $d - 1 \geq 2$, see Algebra, Lemma \ref{algebra-lemma-regular-ring-CM}. Let $U_0$ be the punctured spectrum of $A/fA$ and let $V_0 = V \times_U U_0$. By Lemma \ref{lemma-lift-purity} it suffices to show that $V_0$ is in the essential image of $\textit{F\'Et}_{\Spec(A/fA)} \to \textit{F\'Et}_{U_0}$. This follows from the induction hypothesis. \end{proof} \begin{lemma}[Purity of branch locus] \label{lemma-purity} \begin{reference} \cite{Nagata-Purity} and \cite[Exp. X, Thm. 3.1]{SGA1} \end{reference} \begin{history} This result was first stated and proved by Zariski in geometric form in \cite{Zariski-Purity}. The generalization to nonperfect ground fields by Nagata was published as the next article in the same volume of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America in \cite{Nagata-Remarks-Purity}. In the following year Nagata proved the result for Noetherian local rings in \cite{Nagata-Purity}. His proof uses a result of Chow which is a Bertini theorem for complete local domains, see \cite{Chow-Bertini}; the history of Bertini's theorems is discussed in Kleiman's historical article \cite{Kleiman-Bertini}. A few years later a completely different proof was found by Auslander, see \cite{Auslander-Purity}. \end{history} Let $f : X \to Y$ be a morphism of locally Noetherian schemes. Let $x \in X$ and set $y = f(x)$. Assume \begin{enumerate} \item $\mathcal{O}_{X, x}$ is normal, \item $\mathcal{O}_{Y, y}$ is regular, \item $f$ is quasi-finite at $x$, \item $\dim(\mathcal{O}_{X, x}) = \dim(\mathcal{O}_{Y, y}) \geq 1$ \item for specializations $x' \leadsto x$ with $\dim(\mathcal{O}_{X, x'}) = 1$ our $f$ is unramified at $x'$. \end{enumerate} Then $f$ is \'etale at $x$. \end{lemma} \begin{proof} We will prove the lemma by induction on $d = \dim(\mathcal{O}_{X, x}) = \dim(\mathcal{O}_{Y, y})$. \medskip\noindent An uninteresting case is when $d = 1$. In that case we are assuming that $f$ is unramified at $x$ and that $\mathcal{O}_{Y, y}$ is a discrete valuation ring (Algebra, Lemma \ref{algebra-lemma-characterize-dvr}). Then $\mathcal{O}_{X, x}$ is flat over $\mathcal{O}_{Y, y}$ (otherwise the map would not be quasi-finite at $x$) and we see that $f$ is flat at $x$. Since flat $+$ unramified is \'etale we conclude (some details omitted). \medskip\noindent The case $d \geq 2$. We will use induction on $d$ to reduce to the case discussed in Lemma \ref{lemma-local-purity}. To check $f$ is \'etale at $x$ we may work \'etale locally on the base and on the target (Descent, Lemmas \ref{descent-lemma-descending-property-etale} and \ref{descent-lemma-etale-etale-local-source}). Thus we can apply More on Morphisms, Lemma \ref{more-morphisms-lemma-etale-makes-quasi-finite-finite-at-point} and assume that $f : X \to Y$ is finite and that $x$ is the unique point of $X$ lying over $y$. Here we use that \'etale extensions of local rings do not change dimension, normality, and regularity, see More on Algebra, Section \ref{more-algebra-section-permanence-etale} and \'Etale Morphisms, Section \ref{etale-section-properties-permanence}. \medskip\noindent Next, we can base change by $\Spec(\mathcal{O}_{Y, y})$ and assume that $Y$ is the spectrum of a regular local ring. It follows that $X = \Spec(\mathcal{O}_{X, x})$ as every point of $X$ necessarily specializes to $x$. \medskip\noindent The ring map $\mathcal{O}_{Y, y} \to \mathcal{O}_{X, x}$ is finite and necessarily injective (by equality of dimensions). We conclude we have going down for $\mathcal{O}_{Y, y} \to \mathcal{O}_{X, x}$ by Algebra, Proposition \ref{algebra-proposition-going-down-normal-integral} (and the fact that a regular ring is a normal ring by Algebra, Lemma \ref{algebra-lemma-regular-normal}). Pick $x' \in X$, $x' \not = x$ with image $y' = f(x')$. Then $\mathcal{O}_{X, x'}$ is normal as a localization of a normal domain. Similarly, $\mathcal{O}_{Y, y'}$ is regular (see Algebra, Lemma \ref{algebra-lemma-localization-of-regular-local-is-regular}). We have $\dim(\mathcal{O}_{X, x'}) = \dim(\mathcal{O}_{Y, y'})$ by Algebra, Lemma \ref{algebra-lemma-dimension-base-fibre-equals-total} (we checked going down above). Of course these dimensions are strictly less than $d$ as $x' \not = x$ and by induction on $d$ we conclude that $f$ is \'etale at $x'$. \medskip\noindent Thus we arrive at the following situation: We have a finite local homomorphism $A \to B$ of Noetherian local rings of dimension $d \geq 2$, with $A$ regular, $B$ normal, which induces a finite \'etale morphism $V \to U$ on punctured spectra. Our goal is to show that $A \to B$ is \'etale. This follows from Lemma \ref{lemma-local-purity} and the proof is complete. \end{proof} \noindent The following lemma is sometimes useful to find the maximal open subset over which a finite \'etale morphism extends. \begin{lemma} \label{lemma-extend-S2} Let $j : U \to X$ be an open immersion of locally Noetherian schemes such that $\text{depth}(\mathcal{O}_{X, x}) \geq 2$ for $x \not \in U$. Let $\pi : V \to U$ be finite \'etale. Then \begin{enumerate} \item $\mathcal{B} = j_*\pi_*\mathcal{O}_V$ is a reflexive coherent $\mathcal{O}_X$-algebra, set $Y = \underline{\Spec}_X(\mathcal{B})$, \item $Y \to X$ is the unique finite morphism such that $V = Y \times_X U$ and $\text{depth}(\mathcal{O}_{Y, y}) \geq 2$ for $y \in Y \setminus V$, \item $Y \to X$ is \'etale at $y$ if and only if $Y \to X$ is flat at $y$, and \item $Y \to X$ is \'etale if and only if $\mathcal{B}$ is finite locally free as an $\mathcal{O}_X$-module. \end{enumerate} Moreover, (a) the construction of $\mathcal{B}$ and $Y \to X$ commutes with base change by flat morphisms $X' \to X$ of locally Noetherian schemes, and (b) if $V' \to U'$ is a finite \'etale morphism with $U \subset U' \subset X$ open which restricts to $V \to U$ over $U$, then there is a unique isomorphism $Y' \times_X U' = V'$ over $U'$. \end{lemma} \begin{proof} Observe that $\pi_*\mathcal{O}_V$ is a finite locally free $\mathcal{O}_U$-module, in particular reflexive. By Divisors, Lemma \ref{divisors-lemma-reflexive-S2-extend} the module $j_*\pi_*\mathcal{O}_V$ is the unique reflexive coherent module on $X$ restricting to $\pi_*\mathcal{O}_V$ over $U$. This proves (1). \medskip\noindent By construction $Y \times_X U = V$. Since $\mathcal{B}$ is coherent, we see that $Y \to X$ is finite. We have $\text{depth}(\mathcal{B}_x) \geq 2$ for $x \in X \setminus U$ by Divisors, Lemma \ref{divisors-lemma-reflexive-S2}. Hence $\text{depth}(\mathcal{O}_{Y, y}) \geq 2$ for $y \in Y \setminus V$ by Algebra, Lemma \ref{algebra-lemma-depth-goes-down-finite}. Conversely, suppose that $\pi' : Y' \to X$ is a finite morphism such that $V = Y' \times_X U$ and $\text{depth}(\mathcal{O}_{Y', y'}) \geq 2$ for $y' \in Y' \setminus V$. Then $\pi'_*\mathcal{O}_{Y'}$ restricts to $\pi_*\mathcal{O}_V$ over $U$ and satisfies $\text{depth}((\pi'_*\mathcal{O}_{Y'})_x) \geq 2$ for $x \in X \setminus U$ by Algebra, Lemma \ref{algebra-lemma-depth-goes-down-finite}. Then $\pi'_*\mathcal{O}_{Y'}$ is canonically isomorphic to $j_*\pi_*\mathcal{O}_V$ for example by Divisors, Lemma \ref{divisors-lemma-depth-2-hartog}. This proves (2). \medskip\noindent If $Y \to X$ is \'etale at $y$, then $Y \to X$ is flat at $y$. Conversely, suppose that $Y \to X$ is flat at $y$. If $y \in V$, then $Y \to X$ is \'etale at $y$. If $y \not \in V$, then we check (1), (2), (3), and (4) of Lemma \ref{lemma-ramification-quasi-finite-flat} hold to see that $Y \to X$ is \'etale at $y$. Parts (1) and (2) are clear and so is (3) since $\text{depth}(\mathcal{O}_{Y, y}) \geq 2$. If $y' \leadsto y$ is a specialization and $\dim(\mathcal{O}_{Y, y'}) = 1$, then $y' \in V$ since otherwise the depth of this local ring would be $2$ a contradiction by Algebra, Lemma \ref{algebra-lemma-bound-depth}. Hence $Y \to X$ is \'etale at $y'$ and we conclude (4) of Lemma \ref{lemma-ramification-quasi-finite-flat} holds too. This finishes the proof of (3). \medskip\noindent Part (4) follows from (3) and the fact that $((Y \to X)_*\mathcal{O}_Y)_x$ is a flat $\mathcal{O}_{X, x}$-module if and only if $\mathcal{O}_{Y, y}$ is a flat $\mathcal{O}_{X, x}$-module for all $y \in Y$ mapping to $x$, see Algebra, Lemma \ref{algebra-lemma-flat-localization}. Here we also use that a finite flat module over a Noetherian ring is finite locally free, see Algebra, Lemma \ref{algebra-lemma-finite-projective} (and Algebra, Lemma \ref{algebra-lemma-Noetherian-finite-type-is-finite-presentation}). \medskip\noindent As to the final assertions of the lemma, part (a) follows from flat base change, see Cohomology of Schemes, Lemma \ref{coherent-lemma-flat-base-change-cohomology} and part (b) follows from the uniqueness in (2) applied to the restriction $Y \times_X U'$. \end{proof} \begin{lemma} \label{lemma-extend-pure} Let $j : U \to X$ be an open immersion of Noetherian schemes such that purity holds for $\mathcal{O}_{X, x}$ for all $x \not \in U$. Then $$ \textit{F\'Et}_X \longrightarrow \textit{F\'Et}_U $$ is essentially surjective. \end{lemma} \begin{proof} Let $V \to U$ be a finite \'etale morphism. By Noetherian induction it suffices to extend $V \to U$ to a finite \'etale morphism to a strictly larger open subset of $X$. Let $x \in X \setminus U$ be the generic point of an irreducible component of $X \setminus U$. Then the inverse image $U_x$ of $U$ in $\Spec(\mathcal{O}_{X, x})$ is the punctured spectrum of $\mathcal{O}_{X, x}$. By assumption $V_x = V \times_U U_x$ is the restriction of a finite \'etale morphism $Y_x \to \Spec(\mathcal{O}_{X, x})$ to $U_x$. By Limits, Lemma \ref{limits-lemma-glueing-near-point} we find an open subscheme $U \subset U' \subset X$ containing $x$ and a morphism $V' \to U'$ of finite presentation whose restriction to $U$ recovers $V \to U$ and whose restriction to $\Spec(\mathcal{O}_{X, x})$ recovering $Y_x$. Finally, the morphism $V' \to U'$ is finite \'etale after possible shrinking $U'$ to a smaller open by Limits, Lemma \ref{limits-lemma-glueing-near-point-properties}. \end{proof} \section{Finite \'etale covers of punctured spectra, II} \label{section-pi1-punctured-spec-II} \noindent In this section we prove some variants of the material discussed in Section \ref{section-pi1-punctured-spec}. Suppose we have a Noetherian local ring $(A, \mathfrak m)$ and $f \in \mathfrak m$. We set $X = \Spec(A)$ and $X_0 = \Spec(A/fA)$ and we let $U = X \setminus \{\mathfrak m\}$ and $U_0 = X_0 \setminus \{\mathfrak m\}$ be the punctured spectrum of $A$ and $A/fA$. All of this is exactly as in Situation \ref{situation-local-lefschetz}. The difference is that we will consider the restriction functor $$ \colim_{U_0 \subset U' \subset U\text{ open}} \textit{F\'Et}_{U'} \longrightarrow \textit{F\'Et}_{U_0} $$ In other words, we will not try to lift finite \'etale coverings of $U_0$ to all of $U$, but just to some open neighbourhood $U'$ of $U_0$ in $U$. \begin{lemma} \label{lemma-faithful-general} In Situation \ref{situation-local-lefschetz}. Let $U' \subset U$ be open and contain $U_0$. Assume for $\mathfrak p \subset A$ minimal with $\mathfrak p \in U'$, $\mathfrak p \not \in U_0$ we have $\dim(A/\mathfrak p) \geq 2$. Then $$ \textit{F\'Et}_{U'} \longrightarrow \textit{F\'Et}_{U_0},\quad V' \longmapsto V_0 = V' \times_{U'} U_0 $$ is a faithful functor. Moreover, there exists a $U'$ satisfying the assumption and any smaller open $U'' \subset U'$ containing $U_0$ also satisfies this assumption. In particular, the restriction functor $$ \colim_{U_0 \subset U' \subset U\text{ open}} \textit{F\'Et}_{U'} \longrightarrow \textit{F\'Et}_{U_0} $$ is faithful. \end{lemma} \begin{proof} By Algebra, Lemma \ref{algebra-lemma-one-equation} we see that $V(\mathfrak p)$ meets $U_0$ for every prime $\mathfrak p$ of $A$ with $\dim(A/\mathfrak p) \geq 2$. Thus the displayed functor is faithful for a $U$ as in the statement by Lemma \ref{lemma-restriction-faithful}. To see the existence of such a $U'$ note that for $\mathfrak p \subset A$ with $\mathfrak p \in U$, $\mathfrak p \not \in U_0$ with $\dim(A/\mathfrak p) = 1$ then $\mathfrak p$ corresponds to a closed point of $U$ and hence $V(\mathfrak p) \cap U_0 = \emptyset$. Thus we can take $U'$ to be the complement of the irreducible components of $X$ which do not meet $U_0$ and have dimension $1$. \end{proof} \begin{lemma} \label{lemma-fully-faithful-general-better} In Situation \ref{situation-local-lefschetz} assume \begin{enumerate} \item $A$ has a dualizing complex and is $f$-adically complete, \item every irreducible component of $X$ not contained in $X_0$ has dimension $\geq 3$. \end{enumerate} Then the restriction functor $$ \colim_{U_0 \subset U' \subset U\text{ open}} \textit{F\'Et}_{U'} \longrightarrow \textit{F\'Et}_{U_0} $$ is fully faithful. \end{lemma} \begin{proof} To prove this we may replace $A$ by its reduction by the topological invariance of the fundamental group, see Lemma \ref{lemma-thickening}. Then the result follows from Lemma \ref{lemma-restriction-fully-faithful-general} and Algebraic and Formal Geometry, Lemma \ref{algebraization-lemma-fully-faithful-general}. \end{proof} \begin{lemma} \label{lemma-fully-faithful-general} In Situation \ref{situation-local-lefschetz} assume \begin{enumerate} \item $A$ is $f$-adically complete, \item $f$ is a nonzerodivisor. \item $H^1_\mathfrak m(A/fA)$ is a finite $A$-module. \end{enumerate} Then the restriction functor $$ \colim_{U_0 \subset U' \subset U\text{ open}} \textit{F\'Et}_{U'} \longrightarrow \textit{F\'Et}_{U_0} $$ is fully faithful. \end{lemma} \begin{proof} Follows from Lemma \ref{lemma-restriction-fully-faithful-general} and Algebraic and Formal Geometry, Lemma \ref{algebraization-lemma-fully-faithful-general-alternative}. \end{proof} \section{Finite \'etale covers of punctured spectra, III} \label{section-pi1-punctured-spec-III} \noindent In this section we study when in Situation \ref{situation-local-lefschetz}. the restriction functor $$ \colim_{U_0 \subset U' \subset U\text{ open}} \textit{F\'Et}_{U'} \longrightarrow \textit{F\'Et}_{U_0} $$ is an equivalence of categories. \begin{lemma} \label{lemma-essentially-surjective-general-better} In Situation \ref{situation-local-lefschetz} assume \begin{enumerate} \item $A$ has a dualizing complex and is $f$-adically complete, \item one of the following is true \begin{enumerate} \item $A_f$ is $(S_2)$ and every irreducible component of $X$ not contained in $X_0$ has dimension $\geq 4$, or \item if $\mathfrak p \not \in V(f)$ and $V(\mathfrak p) \cap V(f) \not = \{\mathfrak m\}$, then $\text{depth}(A_\mathfrak p) + \dim(A/\mathfrak p) > 3$. \end{enumerate} \end{enumerate} Then the restriction functor $$ \colim_{U_0 \subset U' \subset U\text{ open}} \textit{F\'Et}_{U'} \longrightarrow \textit{F\'Et}_{U_0} $$ is an equivalence. \end{lemma} \begin{proof} This follows from Lemma \ref{lemma-restriction-equivalence-general} and Algebraic and Formal Geometry, Lemma \ref{algebraization-lemma-equivalence-better}. \end{proof} \begin{lemma} \label{lemma-essentially-surjective-general} In Situation \ref{situation-local-lefschetz} assume \begin{enumerate} \item $A$ is $f$-adically complete, \item $f$ is a nonzerodivisor, \item $H^1_\mathfrak m(A/fA)$ and $H^2_\mathfrak m(A/fA)$ are finite $A$-modules. \end{enumerate} Then the restriction functor $$ \colim_{U_0 \subset U' \subset U\text{ open}} \textit{F\'Et}_{U'} \longrightarrow \textit{F\'Et}_{U_0} $$ is an equivalence. \end{lemma} \begin{proof} This follows from Lemma \ref{lemma-restriction-equivalence-general} and Algebraic and Formal Geometry, Lemma \ref{algebraization-lemma-equivalence}. \end{proof} \begin{remark} \label{remark-combine} Let $(A, \mathfrak m)$ be a complete local Noetherian ring and $f \in \mathfrak m$ nonzero. Suppose that $A_f$ is $(S_2)$ and every irreducible component of $\Spec(A)$ has dimension $\geq 4$. Then Lemma \ref{lemma-essentially-surjective-general-better} tells us that the category $$ \colim\nolimits_{U' \subset U\text{ open, }U_0 \subset U} \text{ category of schemes finite \'etale over }U' $$ is equivalent to the category of schemes finite \'etale over $U_0$. For example this holds if $A$ is a normal domain of dimension $\geq 4$! \end{remark} \section{Finite \'etale covers of punctured spectra, IV} \label{section-pi1-punctured-spec-IV} \noindent Let $X, X_0, U, U_0$ be as in Situation \ref{situation-local-lefschetz}. In this section we ask when the restriction functor $$ \textit{F\'Et}_U \longrightarrow \textit{F\'Et}_{U_0} $$ is essentially surjective. We will do this by taking results from Section \ref{section-pi1-punctured-spec-III} and then filling in the gaps using purity. Recall that we say {\it purity holds} for a Noetherian local ring $(A, \mathfrak m)$ if the restriction functor $\textit{F\'Et}_X \to \textit{F\'Et}_U$ is essentially surjective where $X = \Spec(A)$ and $U = X \setminus \{\mathfrak m\}$. \begin{lemma} \label{lemma-equivalence-better} In Situation \ref{situation-local-lefschetz} assume \begin{enumerate} \item $A$ has a dualizing complex and is $f$-adically complete, \item one of the following is true \begin{enumerate} \item $A_f$ is $(S_2)$ and every irreducible component of $X$ not contained in $X_0$ has dimension $\geq 4$, or \item if $\mathfrak p \not \in V(f)$ and $V(\mathfrak p) \cap V(f) \not = \{\mathfrak m\}$, then $\text{depth}(A_\mathfrak p) + \dim(A/\mathfrak p) > 3$. \end{enumerate} \item for every maximal ideal $\mathfrak p \subset A_f$ purity holds for $(A_f)_\mathfrak p$. \end{enumerate} Then the restriction functor $\textit{F\'Et}_U \to \textit{F\'Et}_{U_0}$ is essentially surjective. \end{lemma} \begin{proof} Let $V_0 \to U_0$ be a finite \'etale morphism. By Lemma \ref{lemma-essentially-surjective-general-better} there exists an open $U' \subset U$ containing $U_0$ and a finite \'etale morphism $V' \to U$ whose base change to $U_0$ is isomorphic to $V_0 \to U_0$. Since $U' \supset U_0$ we see that $U \setminus U'$ consists of points corresponding to prime ideals $\mathfrak p_1, \ldots, \mathfrak p_n$ as in (3). By assumption we can find finite \'etale morphisms $V'_i \to \Spec(A_{\mathfrak p_i})$ agreeing with $V' \to U'$ over $U' \times_U \Spec(A_{\mathfrak p_i})$. By Limits, Lemma \ref{limits-lemma-glueing-near-closed-point} applied $n$ times we see that $V' \to U'$ extends to a finite \'etale morphism $V \to U$. \end{proof} \begin{lemma} \label{lemma-equivalence} Let $(A, \mathfrak m)$ be a Noetherian local ring. Let $f \in \mathfrak m$. Assume \begin{enumerate} \item $A$ is $f$-adically complete, \item $f$ is a nonzerodivisor, \item $H^1_\mathfrak m(A/fA)$ and $H^2_\mathfrak m(A/fA)$ are finite $A$-modules, \item for every maximal ideal $\mathfrak p \subset A_f$ purity holds for $(A_f)_\mathfrak p$. \end{enumerate} Then the restriction functor $\textit{F\'Et}_U \to \textit{F\'Et}_{U_0}$ is essentially surjective. \end{lemma} \begin{proof} The proof is identical to the proof of Lemma \ref{lemma-equivalence-better} using Lemma \ref{lemma-essentially-surjective-general} in stead of Lemma \ref{lemma-essentially-surjective-general-better}. \end{proof} \section{Purity in local case, II} \label{section-local-purity-II} \noindent This section is the continuation of Section \ref{section-local-purity}. Recall that we say {\it purity holds} for a Noetherian local ring $(A, \mathfrak m)$ if the restriction functor $\textit{F\'Et}_X \to \textit{F\'Et}_U$ is essentially surjective where $X = \Spec(A)$ and $U = X \setminus \{\mathfrak m\}$. \begin{lemma} \label{lemma-purity-inherited-by-hypersurface-better} Let $(A, \mathfrak m)$ be a Noetherian local ring. Let $f \in \mathfrak m$. Assume \begin{enumerate} \item $A$ has a dualizing complex and is $f$-adically complete, \item one of the following is true \begin{enumerate} \item $A_f$ is $(S_2)$ and every irreducible component of $X$ not contained in $X_0$ has dimension $\geq 4$, or \item if $\mathfrak p \not \in V(f)$ and $V(\mathfrak p) \cap V(f) \not = \{\mathfrak m\}$, then $\text{depth}(A_\mathfrak p) + \dim(A/\mathfrak p) > 3$. \end{enumerate} \item for every maximal ideal $\mathfrak p \subset A_f$ purity holds for $(A_f)_\mathfrak p$, and \item purity holds for $A$. \end{enumerate} Then purity holds for $A/fA$. \end{lemma} \begin{proof} Denote $X = \Spec(A)$ and $U = X \setminus \{\mathfrak m\}$ the punctured spectrum. Similarly we have $X_0 = \Spec(A/fA)$ and $U_0 = X_0 \setminus \{\mathfrak m\}$. Let $V_0 \to U_0$ be a finite \'etale morphism. By Lemma \ref{lemma-equivalence-better} we find a finite \'etale morphism $V \to U$ whose base change to $U_0$ is isomorphic to $V_0 \to U_0$. By assumption (5) we find that $V \to U$ extends to a finite \'etale morphism $Y \to X$. Then the restriction of $Y$ to $X_0$ is the desired extension of $V_0 \to U_0$. \end{proof} \begin{lemma} \label{lemma-purity-inherited-by-hypersurface} Let $(A, \mathfrak m)$ be a Noetherian local ring. Let $f \in \mathfrak m$. Assume \begin{enumerate} \item $A$ is $f$-adically complete, \item $f$ is a nonzerodivisor, \item $H^1_\mathfrak m(A/fA)$ and $H^2_\mathfrak m(A/fA)$ are finite $A$-modules, \item for every maximal ideal $\mathfrak p \subset A_f$ purity holds for $(A_f)_\mathfrak p$, \item purity holds for $A$. \end{enumerate} Then purity holds for $A/fA$. \end{lemma} \begin{proof} The proof is identical to the proof of Lemma \ref{lemma-purity-inherited-by-hypersurface-better} using Lemma \ref{lemma-equivalence} in stead of Lemma \ref{lemma-equivalence-better}. \end{proof} \noindent Now we can bootstrap the earlier results to prove that purity holds for complete intersections of dimension $\geq 3$. Recall that a Noetherian local ring is called a complete intersection if its completion is the quotient of a regular local ring by the ideal generated by a regular sequence. See the discussion in Divided Power Algebra, Section \ref{dpa-section-lci}. \begin{proposition} \label{proposition-purity-complete-intersection} Let $(A, \mathfrak m)$ be a Noetherian local ring. If $A$ is a complete intersection of dimension $\geq 3$, then purity holds for $A$ in the sense that any finite \'etale cover of the punctured spectrum extends. \end{proposition} \begin{proof} By Lemma \ref{lemma-purity-and-completion} we may assume that $A$ is a complete local ring. By assumption we can write $A = B/(f_1, \ldots, f_r)$ where $B$ is a complete regular local ring and $f_1, \ldots, f_r$ is a regular sequence. We will finish the proof by induction on $r$. The base case is $r = 0$ which follows from Lemma \ref{lemma-local-purity} which applies to regular rings of dimension $\geq 2$. \medskip\noindent Assume that $A = B/(f_1, \ldots, f_r)$ and that the proposition holds for $r - 1$. Set $A' = B/(f_1, \ldots, f_{r - 1})$ and apply Lemma \ref{lemma-purity-inherited-by-hypersurface} to $f_r \in A'$. This is permissible: condition (1) holds as $f_1, \ldots, f_r$ is a regular sequence, condition (2) holds as $B$ and hence $A'$ is complete, condition (3) holds as $A = A'/f_r A'$ is Cohen-Macaulay of dimension $\dim(A) \geq 3$, see Dualizing Complexes, Lemma \ref{dualizing-lemma-depth}, condition (4) holds by induction hypothesis as $\dim((A'_{f_r})_\mathfrak p) \geq 3$ for a maximal prime $\mathfrak p$ of $A'_{f_r}$ and as $(A'_{f_r})_\mathfrak p = B_\mathfrak q/(f_1, \ldots, f_{r - 1})$ for some $\mathfrak q \subset B$, condition (5) holds by induction hypothesis. \end{proof} \section{Purity in local case, III} \label{section-local-purity-III} \noindent In this section is a continuation of the discussion in Sections \ref{section-local-purity} and \ref{section-local-purity-II}. \begin{lemma} \label{lemma-fully-faithful-power-series-over-depth2} Let $(A, \mathfrak m)$ be a Noetherian local ring of depth $\geq 2$. Let $B = A[[x_1, \ldots, x_d]]$ with $d \geq 1$. Set $Y = \Spec(B)$ and $Y_0 = V(x_1, \ldots, x_d)$. For any open subscheme $V \subset Y$ with $V_0 = V \cap Y_0$ equal to $Y_0 \setminus \{\mathfrak m_B\}$ the restriction functor $$ \textit{F\'Et}_V \longrightarrow \textit{F\'Et}_{V_0} $$ is fully faithful. \end{lemma} \begin{proof} Set $I = (x_1, \ldots, x_d)$. Set $X = \Spec(A)$. If we use the map $Y \to X$ to identify $Y_0$ with $X$, then $V_0$ is identified with the punctured spectrum $U$ of $A$. Pushing forward modules by this affine morphism we get \begin{align*} \lim_n \Gamma(V_0, \mathcal{O}_V/I^n\mathcal{O}_V) & = \lim_n \Gamma(V_0, \mathcal{O}_Y/I^n\mathcal{O}_Y) \\ & = \lim_n \Gamma(U, \mathcal{O}_U[x_1, \ldots, x_d]/(x_1, \ldots, x_d)^n) \\ & = \lim_n A[x_1, \ldots, x_d]/(x_1, \ldots, x_d)^n \\ & = B \end{align*} Namely, as the depth of $A$ is $\geq 2$ we have $\Gamma(U, \mathcal{O}_U) = A$, see Local Cohomology, Lemma \ref{local-cohomology-lemma-finiteness-pushforwards-and-H1-local}. Thus for any $V \subset Y$ open as in the lemma we get $$ B = \Gamma(Y, \mathcal{O}_Y) \to \Gamma(V, \mathcal{O}_V) \to \lim_n \Gamma(V_0, \mathcal{O}_Y/I^n\mathcal{O}_Y) = B $$ which implies both arrows are isomorphisms (small detail omitted). By Algebraic and Formal Geometry, Lemma \ref{algebraization-lemma-completion-fully-faithful} we conclude that $\textit{Coh}(\mathcal{O}_V) \to \textit{Coh}(V, I\mathcal{O}_V)$ is fully faithful on the full subcategory of finite locally free objects. Thus we conclude by Lemma \ref{lemma-restriction-fully-faithful}. \end{proof} \begin{lemma} \label{lemma-purity-power-series-over-depth2} \begin{slogan} Ramanujam-Samuel for finite \'etale covers \end{slogan} Let $(A, \mathfrak m)$ be a Noetherian local ring of depth $\geq 2$. Let $B = A[[x_1, \ldots, x_d]]$ with $d \geq 1$. For any open $V \subset Y = \Spec(B)$ which contains \begin{enumerate} \item any prime $\mathfrak q \subset B$ such that $\mathfrak q \cap A \not = \mathfrak m$, \item the prime $\mathfrak m B$ \end{enumerate} the functor $ \textit{F\'Et}_Y \to \textit{F\'Et}_V $ is an equivalence. In particular purity holds for $B$. \end{lemma} \begin{proof} A prime $\mathfrak q \subset B$ which is not contained in $V$ lies over $\mathfrak m$. In this case $A \to B_\mathfrak q$ is a flat local homomorphism and hence $\text{depth}(B_\mathfrak q) \geq 2$ (Algebra, Lemma \ref{algebra-lemma-apply-grothendieck}). Thus the functor is fully faithful by Lemma \ref{lemma-quasi-compact-dense-open-connected-at-infinity-Noetherian} combined with Local Cohomology, Lemma \ref{local-cohomology-lemma-depth-2-connected-punctured-spectrum}. \medskip\noindent Let $W \to V$ be a finite \'etale morphism. Let $B \to C$ be the unique finite ring map such that $\Spec(C) \to Y$ is the finite morphism extending $W \to V$ constructed in Lemma \ref{lemma-extend-S2}. Observe that $C = \Gamma(W, \mathcal{O}_W)$. \medskip\noindent Set $Y_0 = V(x_1, \ldots, x_d)$ and $V_0 = V \cap Y_0$. Set $X = \Spec(A)$. If we use the map $Y \to X$ to identify $Y_0$ with $X$, then $V_0$ is identified with the punctured spectrum $U$ of $A$. Thus we may view $W_0 = W \times_Y Y_0$ as a finite \'etale scheme over $U$. Then $$ W_0 \times_U (U \times_X Y) \quad\text{and}\quad W \times_V (U \times_X Y) $$ are schemes finite \'etale over $U \times_X Y$ which restrict to isomorphic finite \'etale schemes over $V_0$. By Lemma \ref{lemma-fully-faithful-power-series-over-depth2} applied to the open $U \times_X Y$ we obtain an isomorphism $$ W_0 \times_U (U \times_X Y) \longrightarrow W \times_V (U \times_X Y) $$ over $U \times_X Y$. \medskip\noindent Observe that $C_0 = \Gamma(W_0, \mathcal{O}_{W_0})$ is a finite $A$-algebra by Lemma \ref{lemma-extend-S2} applied to $W_0 \to U \subset X$ (exactly as we did for $B \to C$ above). Since the construction in Lemma \ref{lemma-extend-S2} is compatible with flat base change and with change of opens, the isomorphism above induces an isomorphism $$ \Psi : C \longrightarrow C_0 \otimes_A B $$ of finite $B$-algebras. However, we know that $\Spec(C) \to Y$ is \'etale at all points above at least one point of $Y$ lying over $\mathfrak m \in X$. Since $\Psi$ is an isomorphism, we conclude that $\Spec(C_0) \to X$ is \'etale above $\mathfrak m$ (small detail omitted). Of course this means that $A \to C_0$ is finite \'etale and hence $B \to C$ is finite \'etale. \end{proof} \begin{lemma} \label{lemma-purity-smooth-over-depth2} Let $f : X \to S$ be a morphism of schemes. Let $U \subset X$ be an open subscheme. Assume \begin{enumerate} \item $f$ is smooth, \item $S$ is Noetherian, \item for $s \in S$ with $\text{depth}(\mathcal{O}_{S, s}) \leq 1$ we have $X_s = U_s$, \item $U_s \subset X_s$ is dense for all $s \in S$. \end{enumerate} Then $\textit{F\'Et}_X \to \textit{F\'Et}_U$ is an equivalence. \end{lemma} \begin{proof} The functor is fully faithful by Lemma \ref{lemma-quasi-compact-dense-open-connected-at-infinity-Noetherian} combined with Local Cohomology, Lemma \ref{local-cohomology-lemma-depth-2-connected-punctured-spectrum} (plus an application of Algebra, Lemma \ref{algebra-lemma-apply-grothendieck} to check the depth condition). \medskip\noindent Let $\pi : V \to U$ be a finite \'etale morphism. Let $Y \to X$ be the finite morphism constructed in Lemma \ref{lemma-extend-S2}. We have to show that $Y \to X$ is finite \'etale. To show that this is true for all points $x \in X$ mapping to a given point $s \in S$ we may perform a base change by a flat morphism $S' \to S$ of Noetherian schemes such that $s$ is in the image. This follows from the compatibility of the construction in Lemma \ref{lemma-extend-S2} with flat base change. \medskip\noindent After enlarging $U$ we may assume $U \subset X$ is the maximal open over which $Y \to X$ is finite \'etale. Let $Z \subset X$ be the complement of $U$. To get a contradiction, assume $Z \not = \emptyset$. Let $s \in S$ be a point in the image of $Z \to S$ such that no strict generalization of $s$ is in the image. Then after base change to $\Spec(\mathcal{O}_{S, s})$ we see that $S = \Spec(A)$ with $(A, \mathfrak m, \kappa)$ a local Noetherian ring of depth $\geq 2$ and $Z$ contained in the closed fibre $X_s$ and nowhere dense in $X_s$. Choose a closed point $z \in Z$. Then $\kappa(z)/\kappa$ is finite (by the Hilbert Nullstellensatz, see Algebra, Theorem \ref{algebra-theorem-nullstellensatz}). Choose a finite flat morphism $(S', s') \to (S, s)$ of local schemes realizing the residue field extension $\kappa(z)/\kappa$, see Algebra, Lemma \ref{algebra-lemma-finite-free-given-residue-field-extension}. After doing a base change by $S' \to S$ we reduce to the case where $\kappa(z) = \kappa$. \medskip\noindent By More on Morphisms, Lemma \ref{more-morphisms-lemma-slice-smooth} there exists a locally closed subscheme $S' \subset X$ passing through $z$ such that $S' \to S$ is \'etale at $z$. After performing the base change by $S' \to S$, we may assume there is a section $\sigma : S \to X$ such that $\sigma(s) = z$. Choose an affine neighbourhood $\Spec(B) \subset X$ of $s$. Then $A \to B$ is a smooth ring map which has a section $\sigma : B \to A$. Denote $I = \Ker(\sigma)$ and denote $B^\wedge$ the $I$-adic completion of $B$. Then $B^\wedge \cong A[[x_1, \ldots, x_d]]$ for some $d \geq 0$, see Algebra, Lemma \ref{algebra-lemma-section-smooth}. Observe that $d > 0$ since otherwise we see that $X \to S$ is \'etale at $z$ which would imply that $z$ is a generic point of $X_s$ and hence $z \in U$ by assumption (4). Similarly, if $d > 0$, then $\mathfrak m B^\wedge$ maps into $U$ via the morphism $\Spec(B^\wedge) \to X$. It suffices prove $Y \to X$ is finite \'etale after base change to $\Spec(B^\wedge)$. Since $B \to B^\wedge$ is flat (Algebra, Lemma \ref{algebra-lemma-completion-flat}) this follows from Lemma \ref{lemma-purity-power-series-over-depth2} and the uniqueness in the construction of $Y \to X$. \end{proof} \begin{proposition} \label{proposition-purity-smooth-over-depth2} Let $A \to B$ be a local homomorphism of local Noetherian rings. Assume $A$ has depth $\geq 2$, $A \to B$ is formally smooth for the $\mathfrak m_B$-adic topology, and $\dim(B) > \dim(A)$. For any open $V \subset Y = \Spec(B)$ which contains \begin{enumerate} \item any prime $\mathfrak q \subset B$ such that $\mathfrak q \cap A \not = \mathfrak m_A$, \item the prime $\mathfrak m_A B$ \end{enumerate} the functor $\textit{F\'Et}_Y \to \textit{F\'Et}_V$ is an equivalence. In particular purity holds for $B$. \end{proposition} \begin{proof} A prime $\mathfrak q \subset B$ which is not contained in $V$ lies over $\mathfrak m_A$. In this case $A \to B_\mathfrak q$ is a flat local homomorphism and hence $\text{depth}(B_\mathfrak q) \geq 2$ (Algebra, Lemma \ref{algebra-lemma-apply-grothendieck}). Thus the functor is fully faithful by Lemma \ref{lemma-quasi-compact-dense-open-connected-at-infinity-Noetherian} combined with Local Cohomology, Lemma \ref{local-cohomology-lemma-depth-2-connected-punctured-spectrum}. \medskip\noindent Denote $A^\wedge$ and $B^\wedge$ the completions of $A$ and $B$ with respect to their maximal ideals. Observe that the assumptions of the proposition hold for $A^\wedge \to B^\wedge$, see More on Algebra, Lemmas \ref{more-algebra-lemma-completion-dimension}, \ref{more-algebra-lemma-completion-depth}, and \ref{more-algebra-lemma-formally-smooth-completion}. By the uniqueness and compatibility with flat base change of the construction of Lemma \ref{lemma-extend-S2} it suffices to prove the essential surjectivity for $A^\wedge \to B^\wedge$ and the inverse image of $V$ (details omitted; compare with Lemma \ref{lemma-purity-and-completion} for the case where $V$ is the punctured spectrum). By More on Algebra, Proposition \ref{more-algebra-proposition-fs-regular} this means we may assume $A \to B$ is regular. \medskip\noindent Let $W \to V$ be a finite \'etale morphism. By Popescu's theorem (Smoothing Ring Maps, Theorem \ref{smoothing-theorem-popescu}) we can write $B = \colim B_i$ as a filtered colimit of smooth $A$-algebras. We can pick an $i$ and an open $V_i \subset \Spec(B_i)$ whose inverse image is $V$ (Limits, Lemma \ref{limits-lemma-descend-opens}). After increasing $i$ we may assume there is a finite \'etale morphism $W_i \to V_i$ whose base change to $V$ is $W \to V$, see Limits, Lemmas \ref{limits-lemma-descend-finite-presentation}, \ref{limits-lemma-descend-finite-finite-presentation}, and \ref{limits-lemma-descend-etale}. We may assume the complement of $V_i$ is contained in the closed fibre of $\Spec(B_i) \to \Spec(A)$ as this is true for $V$ (either choose $V_i$ this way or use the lemma above to show this is true for $i$ large enough). Let $\eta$ be the generic point of the closed fibre of $\Spec(B) \to \Spec(A)$. Since $\eta \in V$, the image of $\eta$ is in $V_i$. Hence after replacing $V_i$ by an affine open neighbourhood of the image of the closed point of $\Spec(B)$, we may assume that the closed fibre of $\Spec(B_i) \to \Spec(A)$ is irreducible and that its generic point is contained in $V_i$ (details omitted; use that a scheme smooth over a field is a disjoint union of irreducible schemes). At this point we may apply Lemma \ref{lemma-purity-smooth-over-depth2} to see that $W_i \to V_i$ extends to a finite \'etale morphism $\Spec(C_i) \to \Spec(B_i)$ and pulling back to $\Spec(B)$ we conclude that $W$ is in the essential image of the functor $\textit{F\'Et}_Y \to \textit{F\'Et}_V$ as desired. \end{proof} \section{Lefschetz for the fundamental group} \label{section-global-lefschetz} \noindent Of course we have already proven a bunch of results of this type in the local case. In this section we discuss the projective case. \begin{proposition} \label{proposition-lefschetz-fully-faithful} Let $k$ be a field. Let $X$ be a proper scheme over $k$. Let $\mathcal{L}$ be an ample invertible $\mathcal{O}_X$-module. Let $s \in \Gamma(X, \mathcal{L})$. Let $Y = Z(s)$ be the zero scheme of $s$. Assume that for all $x \in X \setminus Y$ we have $$ \text{depth}(\mathcal{O}_{X, x}) + \dim(\overline{\{x\}}) > 1 $$ Then the restriction functor $\textit{F\'Et}_X \to \textit{F\'Et}_Y$ is fully faithful. In fact, for any open subscheme $V \subset X$ containing $Y$ the restriction functor $\textit{F\'Et}_V \to \textit{F\'Et}_Y$ is fully faithful. \end{proposition} \begin{proof} The first statement is a formal consequence of Lemma \ref{lemma-restriction-fully-faithful-special} and Algebraic and Formal Geometry, Proposition \ref{algebraization-proposition-lefschetz}. The second statement follows from Lemma \ref{lemma-restriction-fully-faithful-special} and Algebraic and Formal Geometry, Lemma \ref{algebraization-lemma-lefschetz-addendum}. \end{proof} \begin{proposition} \label{proposition-lefschetz-equivalence-general} Let $k$ be a field. Let $X$ be a proper scheme over $k$. Let $\mathcal{L}$ be an ample invertible $\mathcal{O}_X$-module. Let $s \in \Gamma(X, \mathcal{L})$. Let $Y = Z(s)$ be the zero scheme of $s$. Let $\mathcal{V}$ be the set of open subschemes of $X$ containing $Y$ ordered by reverse inclusion. Assume that for all $x \in X \setminus Y$ we have $$ \text{depth}(\mathcal{O}_{X, x}) + \dim(\overline{\{x\}}) > 2 $$ Then the restriction functor $$ \colim_\mathcal{V} \textit{F\'Et}_V \to \textit{F\'Et}_Y $$ is an equivalence. \end{proposition} \begin{proof} This is a formal consequence of Lemma \ref{lemma-restriction-equivalence-general} and Algebraic and Formal Geometry, Proposition \ref{algebraization-proposition-lefschetz-equivalence}. \end{proof} \begin{proposition} \label{proposition-lefschetz-equivalence} Let $k$ be a field. Let $X$ be a proper scheme over $k$. Let $\mathcal{L}$ be an ample invertible $\mathcal{O}_X$-module. Let $s \in \Gamma(X, \mathcal{L})$. Let $Y = Z(s)$ be the zero scheme of $s$. Assume that for all $x \in X \setminus Y$ we have $$ \text{depth}(\mathcal{O}_{X, x}) + \dim(\overline{\{x\}}) > 2 $$ and that for $x \in X \setminus Y$ closed purity holds for $\mathcal{O}_{X, x}$. Then the restriction functor $\textit{F\'Et}_X \to \textit{F\'Et}_Y$ is an equivalence. If $X$ or equivalently $Y$ is connected, then $$ \pi_1(Y, \overline{y}) \to \pi_1(X, \overline{y}) $$ is an isomorphism for any geometric point $\overline{y}$ of $Y$. \end{proposition} \begin{proof} Fully faithfulness holds by Proposition \ref{proposition-lefschetz-fully-faithful}. By Proposition \ref{proposition-lefschetz-equivalence-general} any object of $\textit{F\'Et}_Y$ is isomorphic to the fibre product $U \times_V Y$ for some finite \'etale morphism $U \to V$ where $V \subset X$ is an open subscheme containing $Y$. The complement $T = X \setminus V$ is\footnote{Namely, $T$ is proper over $k$ (being closed in $X$) and affine (being closed in the affine scheme $X \setminus Y$, see Morphisms, Lemma \ref{morphisms-lemma-proper-ample-delete-affine}) and hence finite over $k$ (Morphisms, Lemma \ref{morphisms-lemma-finite-proper}). Thus $T$ is a finite set of closed points.} a finite set of closed points of $X \setminus Y$. Say $T = \{x_1, \ldots, x_n\}$. By assumption we can find finite \'etale morphisms $V'_i \to \Spec(\mathcal{O}_{X, x_i})$ agreeing with $U \to V$ over $V \times_X \Spec(\mathcal{O}_{X, x_i})$. By Limits, Lemma \ref{limits-lemma-glueing-near-closed-point} applied $n$ times we see that $U \to V$ extends to a finite \'etale morphism $U' \to X$ as desired. See Lemma \ref{lemma-what-equivalence-gives} for the final statement. \end{proof} \section{Purity of ramification locus} \label{section-purity-ramification} \noindent In this section we discuss the analogue of purity of branch locus for generically finite morphisms. Apparently, this result is due to Gabber. A special case is van der Waerden's purity theorem for the locus where a birational morphism from a normal variety to a smooth variety is not an isomorphism. \begin{lemma} \label{lemma-characterize-rational-singularity} Let $A$ be a Noetherian normal local domain of dimension $2$. Assume $A$ is Nagata, has a dualizing module $\omega_A$, and has a resolution of singularities $f : X \to \Spec(A)$. Let $\omega_X$ be as in Resolution of Surfaces, Remark \ref{resolve-remark-dualizing-setup}. If $\omega_X \cong \mathcal{O}_X(E)$ for some effective Cartier divisor $E \subset X$ supported on the exceptional fibre, then $A$ defines a rational singularity. If $f$ is a minimal resolution, then $E = 0$. \end{lemma} \begin{proof} There is a trace map $Rf_*\omega_X \to \omega_A$, see Duality for Schemes, Section \ref{duality-section-trace}. By Grauert-Riemenschneider (Resolution of Surfaces, Proposition \ref{resolve-proposition-Grauert-Riemenschneider}) we have $R^1f_*\omega_X = 0$. Thus the trace map is a map $f_*\omega_X \to \omega_A$. Then we can consider $$ \mathcal{O}_{\Spec(A)} = f_*\mathcal{O}_X \to f_*\omega_X \to \omega_A $$ where the first map comes from the map $\mathcal{O}_X \to \mathcal{O}_X(E) = \omega_X$ which is assumed to exist in the statement of the lemma. The composition is an isomorphism by Divisors, Lemma \ref{divisors-lemma-check-isomorphism-via-depth-and-ass} as it is an isomorphism over the punctured spectrum of $A$ (by the assumption in the lemma and the fact that $f$ is an isomorphism over the punctured spectrum) and $A$ and $\omega_A$ are $A$-modules of depth $2$ (by Algebra, Lemma \ref{algebra-lemma-criterion-normal} and Dualizing Complexes, Lemma \ref{dualizing-lemma-depth-dualizing-module}). Hence $f_*\omega_X \to \omega_A$ is surjective whence an isomorphism. Thus $Rf_*\omega_X = \omega_A$ which by duality implies $Rf_*\mathcal{O}_X = \mathcal{O}_{\Spec(A)}$. Whence $H^1(X, \mathcal{O}_X) = 0$ which implies that $A$ defines a rational singularity (see discussion in Resolution of Surfaces, Section \ref{resolve-section-bounded} in particular Lemmas \ref{resolve-lemma-regular-rational} and \ref{resolve-lemma-exact-sequence}). If $f$ is minimal, then $E = 0$ because the map $f^*\omega_A \to \omega_X$ is surjective by a repeated application of Resolution of Surfaces, Lemma \ref{resolve-lemma-dualizing-blow-up-rational} and $\omega_A \cong A$ as we've seen above. \end{proof} \begin{lemma} \label{lemma-key-purity-ramification} Let $f : X \to \Spec(A)$ be a finite type morphism. Let $x \in X$ be a point. Assume \begin{enumerate} \item $A$ is an excellent regular local ring, \item $\mathcal{O}_{X, x}$ is normal of dimension $2$, \item $f$ is \'etale outside of $\overline{\{x\}}$. \end{enumerate} Then $f$ is \'etale at $x$. \end{lemma} \begin{proof} We first replace $X$ by an affine open neighbourhood of $x$. Observe that $\mathcal{O}_{X, x}$ is an excellent local ring (More on Algebra, Lemma \ref{more-algebra-lemma-finite-type-over-excellent}). Thus we can choose a minimal resolution of singularities $W \to \Spec(\mathcal{O}_{X, x})$, see Resolution of Surfaces, Theorem \ref{resolve-theorem-resolve}. After possibly replacing $X$ by an affine open neighbourhood of $x$ we can find a proper morphism $b : X' \to X$ such that $X' \times_X \Spec(\mathcal{O}_{X, x}) = W$, see Limits, Lemma \ref{limits-lemma-glueing-near-closed-point}. After shrinking $X$ further, we may assume $X'$ is regular. Namely, we know $W$ is regular and $X'$ is excellent and the regular locus of the spectrum of an excellent ring is open. Since $W \to \Spec(\mathcal{O}_{X, x})$ is projective (as a sequence of normalized blowing ups), we may assume after shrinking $X$ that $b$ is projective (details omitted). Let $U = X \setminus \overline{\{x\}}$. Since $W \to \Spec(\mathcal{O}_{X, x})$ is an isomorphism over the punctured spectrum, we may assume $b : X' \to X$ is an isomorphism over $U$. Thus we may and will think of $U$ as an open subscheme of $X'$ as well. Set $f' = f \circ b : X' \to \Spec(A)$. \medskip\noindent Since $A$ is regular we see that $\mathcal{O}_Y$ is a dualizing complex for $Y$. Hence $f^!\mathcal{O}_Y$ is a dualzing complex on $X$ (Duality for Schemes, Lemma \ref{duality-lemma-shriek-dualizing}). The Cohen-Macaulay locus of $X$ is open by Duality for Schemes, Lemma \ref{duality-lemma-dualizing-module-CM-scheme} (this can also be proven using excellency). Since $\mathcal{O}_{X, x}$ is Cohen-Macaulay, after shrinking $X$ we may assume $X$ is Cohen-Macaulay. Observe that an \'etale morphism is a local complete intersection. Thus Duality for Schemes, Lemma \ref{duality-lemma-fundamental-class-almost-lci} applies with $r = 0$ and we get a map $$ \mathcal{O}_X \longrightarrow \omega_{X/Y} = H^0(f^!\mathcal{O}_Y) $$ which is an isomorphism over $X \setminus \overline{\{x\}}$. Since $\omega_{X/Y}$ is $(S_2)$ by Duality for Schemes, Lemma \ref{duality-lemma-shriek-over-CM} we find this map is an isomorphism by Divisors, Lemma \ref{divisors-lemma-check-isomorphism-via-depth-and-ass}. This already shows that $X$ and in particular $\mathcal{O}_{X, x}$ is Gorenstein. \medskip\noindent Set $\omega_{X'/Y} = H^0((f')^!\mathcal{O}_Y)$. Arguing in exactly the same manner as above we find that $(f')^!\mathcal{O}_Y = \omega_{X'/Y}[0]$ is a dualizing complex for $X'$. Since $X'$ is regular the morphism $X' \to Y$ is a local complete intersection morphism, see More on Morphisms, Lemma \ref{more-morphisms-lemma-morphism-regular-schemes-is-lci}. By Duality for Schemes, Lemma \ref{duality-lemma-fundamental-class-lci} there exists a map $$ \mathcal{O}_{X'} \longrightarrow \omega_{X'/Y} $$ which is an isomorphism over $U$. We conclude $\omega_{X'/Y} = \mathcal{O}_{X'}(E)$ for some effective Cartier divisor $E \subset X'$ disjoint from $U$. \medskip\noindent Since $\omega_{X/Y} = \mathcal{O}_Y$ we see that $\omega_{X'/Y} = b^! f^!\mathcal{O}_Y = b^!\mathcal{O}_X$. Returning to $W \to \Spec(\mathcal{O}_{X, x})$ we see that $\omega_W = \mathcal{O}_W(E|_W)$. By Lemma \ref{lemma-characterize-rational-singularity} we find $E|_W = 0$. This means that $f' : X' \to Y$ is \'etale by (the already used) Duality for Schemes, Lemma \ref{duality-lemma-fundamental-class-lci}. This immediately finishes the proof, as \'etaleness of $f'$ forces $b$ to be an isomorphism. \end{proof} \begin{lemma}[Purity of ramification locus] \label{lemma-purity-ramification} \begin{reference} This result for complex spaces can be found on page 170 of \cite{Fischer}. In general this is \cite[Theorem 2.4]{Zong} attributed to Gabber. \end{reference} Let $f : X \to Y$ be a morphism of locally Noetherian schemes. Let $x \in X$ and set $y = f(x)$. Assume \begin{enumerate} \item $\mathcal{O}_{X, x}$ is normal of dimension $\geq 1$, \item $\mathcal{O}_{Y, y}$ is regular, \item $f$ is locally of finite type, and \item for specializations $x' \leadsto x$ with $\dim(\mathcal{O}_{X, x'}) = 1$ our $f$ is \'etale at $x'$. \end{enumerate} Then $f$ is \'etale at $x$. \end{lemma} \begin{proof} We will prove the lemma by induction on $d = \dim(\mathcal{O}_{X, x})$. \medskip\noindent An uninteresting case is $d = 1$ since in that case the morphism $f$ is \'etale at $x$ by assumption. Assume $d \geq 2$. \medskip\noindent We can base change by $\Spec(\mathcal{O}_{Y, y}) \to Y$ without affecting the conclusion of the lemma, see Morphisms, Lemma \ref{morphisms-lemma-set-points-where-fibres-etale}. Thus we may assume $Y = \Spec(A)$ where $A$ is a regular local ring and $y$ corresponds to the maximal ideal $\mathfrak m$ of $A$. \medskip\noindent Let $x' \leadsto x$ be a specialization with $x' \not = x$. Then $\mathcal{O}_{X, x'}$ is normal as a localization of $\mathcal{O}_{X, x}$. If $x'$ is not a generic point of $X$, then $1 \leq \dim(\mathcal{O}_{X, x'}) < d$ and we conclude that $f$ is \'etale at $x'$ by induction hypothesis. Thus we may assume that $f$ is \'etale at all points specializing to $x$. Since the set of points where $f$ is \'etale is open in $X$ (by definition) we may after replacing $X$ by an open neighbourhood of $x$ assume that $f$ is \'etale away from $\overline{\{x\}}$. In particular, we see that $f$ is \'etale except at points lying over the closed point $y \in Y = \Spec(A)$. \medskip\noindent Let $X' = X \times_{\Spec(A)} \Spec(A^\wedge)$. Let $x' \in X'$ be the unique point lying over $x$. By the above we see that $X'$ is \'etale over $\Spec(A^\wedge)$ away from the closed fibre and hence $X'$ is normal away from the closed fibre. Since $X$ is normal we conclude that $X'$ is normal by Resolution of Surfaces, Lemma \ref{resolve-lemma-normalization-completion}. Then if we can show $X' \to \Spec(A^\wedge)$ is \'etale at $x'$, then $f$ is \'etale at $x$ (by the aforementioned Morphisms, Lemma \ref{morphisms-lemma-set-points-where-fibres-etale}). Thus we may and do assume $A$ is a regular complete local ring. \medskip\noindent The case $d = 2$ now follows from Lemma \ref{lemma-key-purity-ramification}. \medskip\noindent Assume $d > 2$. Let $t \in \mathfrak m$, $t \not \in \mathfrak m^2$. Set $Y_0 = \Spec(A/tA)$ and $X_0 = X \times_Y Y_0$. Then $X_0 \to Y_0$ is \'etale away from the fibre over the closed point. Since $d > 2$ we have $\dim(\mathcal{O}_{X_0, x}) = d - 1$ is $\geq 2$. The normalization $X_0' \to X_0$ is surjective and finite (as we're working over a complete local ring and such rings are Nagata). Let $x' \in X_0'$ be a point mapping to $x$. By induction hypothesis the morphism $X'_0 \to Y$ is \'etale at $x'$. From the inclusions $\kappa(y) \subset \kappa(x) \subset \kappa(x')$ we conclude that $\kappa(x)$ is finite over $\kappa(y)$. Hence $x$ is a closed point of the fibre of $X \to Y$ over $y$. But since $x$ is also a generic point of this fibre, we conclude that $f$ is quasi-finite at $x$ and we reduce to the case of purity of branch locus, see Lemma \ref{lemma-purity}. \end{proof} \section{Affineness of complement of ramification locus} \label{section-stronger-purity} \noindent Let $f : X \to Y$ be a finite type morphism of Noetherian schemes with $X$ normal and $Y$ regular. Let $V \subset X$ be the maximal open subscheme where $f$ is \'etale. The discussion in \cite[Chapter IV, Section 21.12]{EGA} suggests that $V \to X$ might be an affine morphism. Observe that if $V \to X$ is affine, then we deduce purity of ramification locus (Lemma \ref{lemma-purity-ramification}) by using Divisors, Lemma \ref{divisors-lemma-complement-affine-open-immersion}. Thus affineness of $V \to X$ is a ``strong'' form of purity for the ramification locus. In this section we prove $V \to X$ is affine when $X$ and $Y$ are equicharacteristic and excellent, see Theorem \ref{theorem-global}. It seems reasonable to guess the result remains true for $X$ and $Y$ of mixed characteristic (but still excellent). \begin{lemma} \label{lemma-structure-cohomology} Let $(A, \mathfrak m)$ be a regular local ring which contains a field. Let $f : V \to \Spec(A)$ be \'etale and quasi-compact. Assume that $\mathfrak m \not \in f(V)$ and assume that $g : V \to \Spec(A) \setminus \{\mathfrak m\}$ is affine. Then $H^i(V, \mathcal{O}_V)$, $i > 0$ is isomorphic to a direct sum of copies of the injective hull of the residue field of $A$. \end{lemma} \begin{proof} Denote $U = \Spec(A) \setminus \{\mathfrak m\}$ the punctured spectrum. Thus $g : V \to U$ is affine. We have $H^i(V, \mathcal{O}_V) = H^i(U, g_*\mathcal{O}_V)$ by Cohomology of Schemes, Lemma \ref{coherent-lemma-relative-affine-cohomology}. The $\mathcal{O}_U$-module $g_*\mathcal{O}_V$ is quasi-coherent by Schemes, Lemma \ref{schemes-lemma-push-forward-quasi-coherent}. For any quasi-coherent $\mathcal{O}_U$-module $\mathcal{F}$ the cohomology $H^i(U, \mathcal{F})$, $i > 0$ is $\mathfrak m$-power torsion, see for example Local Cohomology, Lemma \ref{local-cohomology-lemma-local-cohomology}. In particular, the $A$-modules $H^i(V, \mathcal{O}_V)$, $i > 0$ are $\mathfrak m$-power torsion. For any flat ring map $A \to A'$ we have $H^i(V, \mathcal{O}_V) \otimes_A A' = H^i(V', \mathcal{O}_{V'})$ where $V' = V \times_{\Spec(A)} \Spec(A')$ by flat base change Cohomology of Schemes, Lemma \ref{coherent-lemma-flat-base-change-cohomology}. If we take $A'$ to be the completion of $A$ (flat by More on Algebra, Section \ref{more-algebra-section-permanence-completion}), then we see that $$ H^i(V, \mathcal{O}_V) = H^i(V, \mathcal{O}_V) \otimes_A A' = H^i(V', \mathcal{O}_{V'}),\quad\text{for } i > 0 $$ The first equality by the torsion property we just proved and More on Algebra, Lemma \ref{more-algebra-lemma-neighbourhood-equivalence}. Moreover, the injective hull of the residue field $k$ is the same for $A$ and $A'$, see Dualizing Complexes, Lemma \ref{dualizing-lemma-compare}. In this way we reduce to the case $A = k[[x_1, \ldots, x_d]]$, see Algebra, Section \ref{algebra-section-cohen-structure-theorem}. \medskip\noindent Assume the characteristic of $k$ is $p > 0$. Since $F : A \to A$, $a \mapsto a^p$ is flat (Local Cohomology, Lemma \ref{local-cohomology-lemma-frobenius-flat-regular}) and since $V \times_{\Spec(A), \Spec(F)} \Spec(A) \cong V$ as schemes over $\Spec(A)$ by \'Etale Morphisms, Lemma \ref{etale-lemma-relative-frobenius-etale} the above gives $H^i(V, \mathcal{O}_V) \otimes_{A, F} A \cong H^i(V, \mathcal{O}_V)$. Thus we get the result by Local Cohomology, Lemma \ref{local-cohomology-lemma-structure-torsion-Frobenius-regular}. \medskip\noindent Assume the characteristic of $k$ is $0$. By Local Cohomology, Lemma \ref{local-cohomology-lemma-etale-derivation} there are additive operators $D_j$, $j = 1, \ldots, d$ on $H^i(V, \mathcal{O}_V)$ satisfying the Leibniz rule with respect to $\partial_j = \partial/\partial x_j$. Thus we get the result by Local Cohomology, Lemma \ref{local-cohomology-lemma-structure-torsion-D-module-regular}. \end{proof} \begin{lemma} \label{lemma-conclude} In the situation of Lemma \ref{lemma-structure-cohomology} assume that $H^i(V, \mathcal{O}_V) = 0$ for $i \geq \dim(A) - 1$. Then $V$ is affine. \end{lemma} \begin{proof} Let $k = A/\mathfrak m$. Since $V \times_{\Spec(A)} \Spec(k) = \emptyset$, by cohomology and base change we have $$ R\Gamma(V, \mathcal{O}_V) \otimes_A^\mathbf{L} k = 0 $$ See Derived Categories of Schemes, Lemma \ref{perfect-lemma-compare-base-change}. Thus there is a spectral sequence (More on Algebra, Example \ref{more-algebra-example-tor}) $$ E_2^{p, q} = \text{Tor}_{-p}(k, H^q(V, \mathcal{O}_V)),\quad d_2^{p, q} : E_2^{p, q} \to E_2^{p + 2, q - 1} $$ and $d_r^{p, q} : E_r^{p, q} \to E_r^{p + r, q - r + 1}$ converging to zero. By Lemma \ref{lemma-structure-cohomology}, Dualizing Complexes, Lemma \ref{dualizing-lemma-tor-injective-hull}, and our assumption $H^i(V, \mathcal{O}_V) = 0$ for $i \geq \dim(A) - 1$ we conclude that there is no nonzero differential entering or leaving the $(p, q) = (0, 0)$ spot. Thus $H^0(V, \mathcal{O}_V) \otimes_A k = 0$. This means that if $\mathfrak m = (x_1, \ldots, x_d)$ then we have an open covering $V = \bigcup V \times_{\Spec(A)} \Spec(A_{x_i})$ by affine open subschemes $V \times_{\Spec(A)} \Spec(A_{x_i})$ (because $V$ is affine over the punctured spectrum of $A$) such that $x_1, \ldots, x_d$ generate the unit ideal in $\Gamma(V, \mathcal{O}_V)$. This implies $V$ is affine by Properties, Lemma \ref{properties-lemma-characterize-affine}. \end{proof} \begin{theorem} \label{theorem-global} Let $Y$ be an excellent regular scheme over a field. Let $f : X \to Y$ be a finite type morphism of schemes with $X$ normal. Let $V \subset X$ be the maximal open subscheme where $f$ is \'etale. Then the inclusion morphism $V \to X$ is affine. \end{theorem} \begin{proof} Let $x \in X$ with image $y \in Y$. It suffices to prove that $V \cap W$ is affine for some affine open neighbourhood $W$ of $x$. Since $\Spec(\mathcal{O}_{X, x})$ is the limit of the schemes $W$, this holds if and only if $$ V_x = V \times_X \Spec(\mathcal{O}_{X, x}) $$ is affine (Limits, Lemma \ref{limits-lemma-limit-affine}). Thus, if the theorem holds for the morphism $X \times_Y \Spec(\mathcal{O}_{Y, y}) \to \Spec(\mathcal{O}_{Y, y})$, then the theorem holds. In particular, we may assume $Y$ is regular of finite dimension, which allows us to do induction on the dimension $d = \dim(Y)$. Combining this with the same argument again, we may assume that $Y$ is local with closed point $y$ and that $V \cap (X \setminus f^{-1}(\{y\}) \to X \setminus f^{-1}(\{y\})$ is affine. \medskip\noindent Let $x \in X$ be a point lying over $y$. If $x \in V$, then there is nothing to prove. Observe that $f^{-1}(\{y\}) \cap V$ is a finite set of closed points (the fibres of an \'etale morphism are discrete). Thus after replacing $X$ by an affine open neighbourhood of $x$ we may assume $y \not \in f(V)$. We have to prove that $V$ is affine. \medskip\noindent Let $e(V)$ be the maximum $i$ with $H^i(V, \mathcal{O}_V) \not = 0$. As $X$ is affine the integer $e(V)$ is the maximum of the numbers $e(V_x)$ where $x \in X \setminus V$, see Local Cohomology, Lemma \ref{local-cohomology-lemma-cd-local} and the characterization of cohomological dimension in Local Cohomology, Lemma \ref{local-cohomology-lemma-cd}. We have $e(V_x) \leq \dim(\mathcal{O}_{X, x}) - 1$ by Local Cohomology, Lemma \ref{local-cohomology-lemma-cd-dimension}. If $\dim(\mathcal{O}_{X, x}) \geq 2$ then purity of ramification locus (Lemma \ref{lemma-purity-ramification}) shows that $V_x$ is strictly smaller than the punctured spectrum of $\mathcal{O}_{X, x}$. Since $\mathcal{O}_{X, x}$ is normal and excellent, this implies $e(V_x) \leq \dim(\mathcal{O}_{X, x}) - 2$ by Hartshorne-Lichtenbaum vanishing (Local Cohomology, Lemma \ref{local-cohomology-lemma-affine-complement}). On the other hand, since $X \to Y$ is of finite type and $V \subset X$ is dense (after possibly replacing $X$ by the closure of $V$), we see that $\dim(\mathcal{O}_{X, x}) \leq d$ by the dimension formula (Morphisms, Lemma \ref{morphisms-lemma-dimension-formula}). Whence $e(V) \leq \max(0, d - 2)$. Thus $V$ is affine by Lemma \ref{lemma-conclude} if $d \geq 2$. If $d = 1$ or $d = 0$, then the punctured spectrum of $\mathcal{O}_{Y, y}$ is affine and hence $V$ is affine. \end{proof} \section{Specialization maps in the smooth proper case} \label{section-specialization-smooth-proper} \noindent In this section we discuss the following result. Let $f : X \to S$ be a proper smooth morphism of schemes. Let $s \leadsto s'$ be a specialization of points in $S$. Then the specialization map $$ sp : \pi_1(X_{\overline{s}}) \longrightarrow \pi_1(X_{\overline{s}'}) $$ of Section \ref{section-specialization-map} is surjective and \begin{enumerate} \item if the characteristic of $\kappa(s')$ is zero, then it is an isomorphism, or \item if the characteristic of $\kappa(s')$ is $p > 0$, then it induces an isomorphism on maximal prime-to-$p$ quotients. \end{enumerate} \begin{lemma} \label{lemma-specialization-map-surjective} Let $f : X \to S$ be a flat proper morphism with geometrically connected fibres. Let $s' \leadsto s$ be a specialization. If $X_s$ is geometrically reduced, then the specialization map $sp : \pi_1(X_{\overline{s}'}) \to \pi_1(X_{\overline{s}})$ is surjective. \end{lemma} \begin{proof} Since $X_s$ is geometrically reduced, we may assume all fibres are geometrically reduced after possibly shrinking $S$, see More on Morphisms, Lemma \ref{more-morphisms-lemma-geometrically-reduced-open}. Let $\mathcal{O}_{S, s} \to A \to \kappa(\overline{s}')$ be as in the construction of the specialization map, see Section \ref{section-specialization-map}. Thus it suffices to show that $$ \pi_1(X_{\overline{s}'}) \to \pi_1(X_A) $$ is surjective. This follows from Proposition \ref{proposition-first-homotopy-sequence} and $\pi_1(\Spec(A)) = \{1\}$. \end{proof} \begin{proposition} \label{proposition-specialization-map-isomorphism} Let $f : X \to S$ be a smooth proper morphism with geometrically connected fibres. Let $s' \leadsto s$ be a specialization. If the characteristic to $\kappa(s)$ is zero, then the specialization map $$ sp : \pi_1(X_{\overline{s}'}) \to \pi_1(X_{\overline{s}}) $$ is an isomorphism. \end{proposition} \begin{proof} The map is surjective by Lemma \ref{lemma-specialization-map-surjective}. Thus we have to show it is injective. \medskip\noindent We may assume $S$ is affine. Then $S$ is a cofiltered limit of affine schemes of finite type over $\mathbf{Z}$. Hence we can assume $X \to S$ is the base change of $X_0 \to S_0$ where $S_0$ is the spectrum of a finite type $\mathbf{Z}$-algebra and $X_0 \to S_0$ is smooth and proper. See Limits, Lemma \ref{limits-lemma-descend-finite-presentation}, \ref{limits-lemma-descend-smooth}, and \ref{limits-lemma-eventually-proper}. By Lemma \ref{lemma-specialization-map-base-change} we reduce to the case where the base is Noetherian. \medskip\noindent Applying Lemma \ref{lemma-specialization-map-discrete-valuation-ring} we reduce to the case where the base $S$ is the spectrum of a strictly henselian discrete valuation ring $A$ and we are looking at the specialization map over $A$. Let $K$ be the fraction field of $A$. Choose an algebraic closure $\overline{K}$ which corresponds to a geometric generic point $\overline{\eta}$ of $\Spec(A)$. For $\overline{K}/L/K$ finite separable, let $B \subset L$ be the integral closure of $A$ in $L$. This is a discrete valuation ring by More on Algebra, Remark \ref{more-algebra-remark-finite-separable-extension}. \medskip\noindent Let $X \to \Spec(A)$ be as in the previous paragraph. To show injectivity of the specialization map it suffices to prove that every finite \'etale cover $V$ of $X_{\overline{\eta}}$ is the base change of a finite \'etale cover $Y \to X$. Namely, then $\pi_1(X_{\overline{\eta}}) \to \pi_1(X) = \pi_1(X_s)$ is injective by Lemma \ref{lemma-functoriality-galois-injective}. \medskip\noindent Given $V$ we can first descend $V$ to $V' \to X_{K^{sep}}$ by Lemma \ref{lemma-perfection} and then to $V'' \to X_L$ by Lemma \ref{lemma-limit}. Let $Z \to X_B$ be the normalization of $X_B$ in $V''$. Observe that $Z$ is normal and that $Z_L = V''$ as schemes over $X_L$. Hence $Z \to X_B$ is finite \'etale over the generic fibre. The problem is that we do not know that $Z \to X_B$ is everywhere \'etale. Since $X \to \Spec(A)$ has geometrically connected smooth fibres, we see that the special fibre $X_s$ is geometrically irreducible. Hence the special fibre of $X_B \to \Spec(B)$ is irreducible; let $\xi_B$ be its generic point. Let $\xi_1, \ldots, \xi_r$ be the points of $Z$ mapping to $\xi_B$. Our first (and it will turn out only) problem is now that the extensions $$ \mathcal{O}_{X_B, \xi_B} \subset \mathcal{O}_{Z, \xi_i} $$ of discrete valuation rings may be ramified. Let $e_i$ be the ramification index of this extension. Note that since the characteristic of $\kappa(s)$ is zero, the ramification is tame! \medskip\noindent To get rid of the ramification we are going to choose a further finite separable extension $K^{sep}/L'/L/K$ such that the ramification index $e$ of the induced extensions $B'/B$ is divisible by $e_i$. Consider the normalized base change $Z'$ of $Z$ with respect to $\Spec(B') \to \Spec(B)$, see discussion in More on Morphisms, Section \ref{more-morphisms-section-reduced-fibre-theorem}. Let $\xi_{i, j}$ be the points of $Z'$ mapping to $\xi_{B'}$ and to $\xi_i$ in $Z$. Then the local rings $$ \mathcal{O}_{Z', \xi_{i, j}} $$ are localizations of the integral closure of $\mathcal{O}_{Z, \xi_i}$ in $L' \otimes_L F_i$ where $F_i$ is the fraction field of $\mathcal{O}_{Z, \xi_i}$; details omitted. Hence Abhyankar's lemma (More on Algebra, Lemma \ref{more-algebra-lemma-abhyankar}) tells us that $$ \mathcal{O}_{X_{B'}, \xi_{B'}} \subset \mathcal{O}_{Z', \xi_{i, j}} $$ is unramified. We conclude that the morphism $Z' \to X_{B'}$ is \'etale away from codimension $1$. Hence by purity of branch locus (Lemma \ref{lemma-purity}) we see that $Z' \to X_{B'}$ is finite \'etale! \medskip\noindent However, since the residue field extension induced by $A \to B'$ is trivial (as the residue field of $A$ is algebraically closed being separably closed of characteristic zero) we conclude that $Z'$ is the base change of a finite \'etale cover $Y \to X$ by applying Lemma \ref{lemma-finite-etale-on-proper-over-henselian} twice (first to get $Y$ over $A$, then to prove that the pullback to $B$ is isomorphic to $Z'$). This finishes the proof. \end{proof} \noindent Let $G$ be a profinite group. Let $p$ be a prime number. The {\it maximal prime-to-$p$ quotient} is by definition $$ G' = \lim_{U \subset G\text{ open, normal, index prime to }p} G/U $$ If $X$ is a connected scheme and $p$ is given, then the maximal prime-to-$p$ quotient of $\pi_1(X)$ is denoted $\pi'_1(X)$. \begin{theorem} \label{theorem-specialization-map-isomorphism-prime-to-p} Let $f : X \to S$ be a smooth proper morphism with geometrically connected fibres. Let $s' \leadsto s$ be a specialization. If the characteristic of $\kappa(s)$ is $p$, then the specialization map $$ sp : \pi_1(X_{\overline{s}'}) \to \pi_1(X_{\overline{s}}) $$ is surjective and induces an isomorphism $$ \pi'_1(X_{\overline{s}'}) \cong \pi'_1(X_{\overline{s}}) $$ of the maximal prime-to-p quotients \end{theorem} \begin{proof} This is proved in exactly the same manner as Proposition \ref{proposition-specialization-map-isomorphism} with the following differences \begin{enumerate} \item Given $X/A$ we no longer show that the functor $\textit{F\'Et}_X \to \textit{F\'Et}_{X_{\overline{\eta}}}$ is essentially surjective. We show only that Galois objects whose Galois group has order prime to $p$ are in the essential image. This will be enough to conclude the injectivity of $\pi'_1(X_{\overline{s}'}) \to \pi'_1(X_{\overline{s}})$ by exactly the same argument. \item The extensions $\mathcal{O}_{X_B, \xi_B} \subset \mathcal{O}_{Z, \xi_i}$ are tamely ramified as the associated extension of fraction fields is Galois with group of order prime to $p$. See More on Algebra, Lemma \ref{more-algebra-lemma-galois-conclusion}. \item The extension $\kappa_B/\kappa_A$ is no longer necessarily trivial, but it is purely inseparable. Hence the morphism $X_{\kappa_B} \to X_{\kappa_A}$ is a universal homeomorphism and induces an isomorphism of fundamental groups by Proposition \ref{proposition-universal-homeomorphism}. \end{enumerate} \end{proof} \begin{lemma} \label{lemma-fundamental-group-smooth-proper-curve-generators} \begin{reference} \cite[Expos\'e 182, Corollaire 3, p. 217]{FGA} \end{reference} Let $k$ be an algebraically closed field. Let $X$ be a smooth proper connected curve over $k$ of genus $g$. There exist elements $$ a_1, b_1, \ldots, a_g, b_g \in \pi_1(X) $$ which topologically generate $\pi_1(X)$ and satisfy $$ [a_1, b_1] \cdots [a_g, b_g] = 1, \qquad [a, b] = aba^{-1}b^{-1}. $$ \end{lemma} \begin{proof} Assume first that $k$ has characteristic zero. We can find a subfield $k_0 \subset k$ finitely generated over $\mathbf{Q}$ and a smooth proper geometrically connected curve $X_0$ over $k_0$ whose base change to $k$ is $X$. Let $\overline{k}_0 \subset k$ be the algebraic closure of $k_0$ in $k$, and choose an embedding $\overline{k}_0 \to \mathbf{C}$. Base change gives isomorphisms $$ \pi_1(X) \cong \pi_1(X_{0, \overline{k}_0}) \cong \pi_1(X_{0, \mathbf{C}}) $$ by Lemma \ref{lemma-finite-etale-invariant-over-proper}. The genus is unchanged by Algebraic Curves, Lemma \ref{curves-lemma-genus-base-change}. By the Riemann existence theorem \cite[Expos\'e XII, Corollaire 5.2]{SGA1}, the last group is the profinite completion of the usual fundamental group of a compact Riemann surface of genus $g$. The latter has the presentation $$ \langle a_1, b_1, \ldots, a_g, b_g \mid [a_1, b_1] \cdots [a_g, b_g] = 1 \rangle. $$ This proves the result in characteristic zero. \medskip\noindent Assume that $k$ has characteristic $p > 0$. Choose a Cohen ring $A$ with residue field $k$ by Algebra, Lemma \ref{algebra-lemma-cohen-rings-exist}. By Deformation Theory, Lemma \ref{defos-lemma-smooth-proper-curve-lift-complete-local}, there is a smooth projective morphism $\mathcal{X} \to \Spec(A)$ whose special fibre is $X$. Its geometric fibres are connected by More on Morphisms, Lemma \ref{more-morphisms-lemma-proper-flat-geom-red}; indeed, the number of geometric connected components is locally constant and is one on the special fibre. If $\overline{K}$ is an algebraic closure of the fraction field of $A$, then $\mathcal{X}_{\overline{K}}$ has genus $g$ by Algebraic Curves, Lemma \ref{curves-lemma-genus-in-nodal-family-of-curves}. The characteristic-zero case supplies $2g$ generators with the stated relation for $\pi_1(\mathcal{X}_{\overline{K}})$. Their images have the same relation and topologically generate $\pi_1(X)$ because the specialization map is surjective by Lemma \ref{lemma-specialization-map-surjective}. \end{proof} \begin{proposition} \label{proposition-fundamental-group-smooth-projective-finitely-generated} \begin{reference} \cite[Expos\'e 182, Corollaire 4, pp. 217--218]{FGA} \end{reference} Let $k$ be an algebraically closed field. Let $X$ be a smooth projective connected scheme over $k$. Then $\pi_1(X)$ is topologically finitely generated. \end{proposition} \begin{proof} We argue by induction on $d = \dim(X)$. If $d = 0$, then $X = \Spec(k)$, and if $d = 1$, the result follows from Lemma \ref{lemma-fundamental-group-smooth-proper-curve-generators}. Assume $d \geq 2$. Since $X$ is smooth and connected, it is irreducible. Choose a projective embedding of $X$. There is a hyperplane section $Y \subset X$ which is smooth and irreducible by More on Morphisms, Remark \ref{more-morphisms-remark-geometric-proof-bertini-irreducible}. For $x \in X \setminus Y$, regularity of $X$ and the dimension formula give $$ \text{depth}(\mathcal{O}_{X, x}) + \dim(\overline{\{x\}}) = d > 1. $$ Hence the restriction functor $\textit{F\'Et}_X \to \textit{F\'Et}_Y$ is fully faithful by Proposition \ref{proposition-lefschetz-fully-faithful}. Consequently the map $\pi_1(Y) \to \pi_1(X)$ is surjective by Lemma \ref{lemma-functoriality-galois-surjective}. The induction hypothesis shows that $\pi_1(Y)$ is topologically finitely generated, and the same is therefore true of its quotient $\pi_1(X)$. \end{proof} \section{Tame ramification} \label{section-tame} \noindent Let $X \to Y$ be a finite \'etale morphism of schemes of finite type over $\mathbf{Z}$. There are many ways to define what it means for $f$ to be tamely ramified at $\infty$. The article \cite{Kerz-Schmidt} discusses to what extent these notions agree. \medskip\noindent In this section we discuss a different more elementary question which precedes the notion of tameness at infinity. Please compare with the (slightly different) discussion in \cite{Grothendieck-Murre}. Assume we are given \begin{enumerate} \item a locally Noetherian scheme $X$, \item a dense open $U \subset X$, \item a finite \'etale morphism $f : Y \to U$ \end{enumerate} such that for every prime divisor $Z \subset X$ with $Z \cap U = \emptyset$ the local ring $\mathcal{O}_{X, \xi}$ of $X$ at the generic point $\xi$ of $Z$ is a discrete valuation ring. Setting $K_\xi$ equal to the fraction field of $\mathcal{O}_{X, \xi}$ we obtain a cartesian square $$ \xymatrix{ \Spec(K_\xi) \ar[r] \ar[d] & U \ar[d] \\ \Spec(\mathcal{O}_{X, \xi}) \ar[r] & X } $$ of schemes. In particular, we see that $Y \times_U \Spec(K_\xi)$ is the spectrum of a finite separable algebra $L_\xi/K_\xi$. Then we say {\it $Y$ is unramified over $X$ in codimension $1$}, resp.\ {\it $Y$ is tamely ramified over $X$ in codimension $1$} if $L_\xi/K_\xi$ is unramified, resp.\ tamely ramified with respect to $\mathcal{O}_{X, \xi}$ for every $(Z, \xi)$ as above, see More on Algebra, Definition \ref{more-algebra-definition-types-of-extensions}. More precisely, we decompose $L_\xi$ into a product of finite separable field extensions of $K_\xi$ and we require each of these to be unramified, resp.\ tamely ramified with respect to $\mathcal{O}_{X, \xi}$. \begin{definition} \label{definition-tame-fundamental-group} Let $X$ be a locally Noetherian scheme and let $U \subset X$ be a connected dense open subscheme. Assume that the local ring of $X$ at every prime divisor contained in $X \setminus U$ is a discrete valuation ring. Let $\overline{u}$ be a geometric point of $U$. Denote by $$ \textit{F\'Et}^t_{U/X} \subset \textit{F\'Et}_U $$ the full subcategory of finite \'etale covers which are tamely ramified over $X$ in codimension $1$. The {\it tame fundamental group of $U$ with respect to $X$} is $$ \pi_1^t(U/X, \overline{u}) = \text{Aut}(Y \mapsto Y_{\overline{u}}), \qquad Y \in \textit{F\'Et}^t_{U/X}. $$ \end{definition} \noindent The category in the definition is a Galois category. Namely, tame extensions are preserved on passing to subextensions and admit common finite tame overextensions by More on Algebra, Lemmas \ref{more-algebra-lemma-subextension-tame} and \ref{more-algebra-lemma-permanence-tame}. Thus the subcategory is stable under finite limits, finite colimits, subobjects, and quotients in $\textit{F\'Et}_U$. Restriction of the fibre functor gives a canonical continuous surjection $$ \pi_1(U, \overline{u}) \longrightarrow \pi_1^t(U/X, \overline{u}). $$ \begin{lemma} \label{lemma-pullback-tame-codim1} Let $X' \to X$ be a morphism of locally Noetherian schemes. Let $U \subset X$ be a dense open. Assume \begin{enumerate} \item $U' = f^{-1}(U)$ is dense open in $X'$, \item for every prime divisor $Z \subset X$ with $Z \cap U = \emptyset$ the local ring $\mathcal{O}_{X, \xi}$ of $X$ at the generic point $\xi$ of $Z$ is a discrete valuation ring, \item for every prime divisor $Z' \subset X'$ with $Z' \cap U' = \emptyset$ the local ring $\mathcal{O}_{X', \xi'}$ of $X'$ at the generic point $\xi'$ of $Z'$ is a discrete valuation ring, \item if $\xi' \in X'$ is as in (3), then $\xi = f(\xi')$ is as in (2). \end{enumerate} Then if $f : Y \to U$ is finite \'etale and $Y$ is unramified, resp.\ tamely ramified over $X$ in codimension $1$, then $Y' = Y \times_X X' \to U'$ is finite \'etale and $Y'$ is unramified, resp.\ tamely ramified over $X'$ in codimension $1$. \end{lemma} \begin{proof} The only interesting fact in this lemma is the commutative algebra result given in More on Algebra, Lemma \ref{more-algebra-lemma-tame-goes-up}. \end{proof} \noindent Using the terminology introduced above, we can reformulate our purity results obtained earlier in the following pleasing manner. \begin{lemma} \label{lemma-purity-one-divisor-general} Let $X$ be a locally Noetherian scheme. Let $U \subset X$ be open and dense. Let $Y \to U$ be a finite \'etale morphism. Assume \begin{enumerate} \item $Y$ is unramified over $X$ in codimension $1$, and \item $\mathcal{O}_{X, x}$ is regular for all $x \in X \setminus U$. \end{enumerate} Then there exists a finite \'etale morphism $Y' \to X$ whose restriction to $U$ is $Y$. \end{lemma} \begin{proof} Let $\xi \in X \setminus U$ be a generic point of an irreducible component of $X \setminus U$ of codimension $1$. Then $\mathcal{O}_{X, \xi}$ is a discrete valuation ring. As in the discussion above, write $Y \times_U \Spec(K_\xi) = \Spec(L_\xi)$. Denote $B_\xi$ the integral closure of $\mathcal{O}_{X, \xi}$ in $L_\xi$. Our assumption that $Y$ is unramified over $X$ in codimension $1$ signifies that $\mathcal{O}_{X, \xi} \to B_\xi$ is finite \'etale. Thus we get $Y_\xi \to \Spec(\mathcal{O}_{X, \xi})$ finite \'etale and an isomorphism $$ Y \times_U \Spec(K_\xi) \cong Y_\xi \times_{\Spec(\mathcal{O}_{X, \xi})} \Spec(K_\xi) $$ over $\Spec(K_\xi)$. By Limits, Lemma \ref{limits-lemma-glueing-near-point} we find an open subscheme $U \subset U' \subset X$ containing $\xi$ and a morphism $Y' \to U'$ of finite presentation whose restriction to $U$ recovers $Y$ and whose restriction to $\Spec(\mathcal{O}_{X, \xi})$ recovers $Y_\xi$. Finally, the morphism $Y' \to U'$ is finite \'etale after possible shrinking $U'$ to a smaller open by Limits, Lemma \ref{limits-lemma-glueing-near-point-properties}. Repeating the argument with the other generic points of $X \setminus U$ of codimension $1$ we may assume that we have a finite \'etale morphism $Y' \to U'$ extending $Y \to U$ to an open subscheme containing $U' \subset X$ containing $U$ and all codimension $1$ points of $X \setminus U$. We finish by applying Lemma \ref{lemma-extend-pure} to $Y' \to U'$. Namely, all local rings $\mathcal{O}_{X, x}$ for $x \in X \setminus U'$ are regular and have $\dim(\mathcal{O}_{X, x}) \geq 2$. Hence we have purity for $\mathcal{O}_{X, x}$ by Lemma \ref{lemma-local-purity}. \end{proof} \begin{lemma} \label{lemma-purity-one-divisor} Let $X$ be a locally Noetherian scheme. Let $D \subset X$ be an effective Cartier divisor such that $D$ is a regular scheme. Let $Y \to X \setminus D$ be a finite \'etale morphism. If $Y$ is unramified over $X$ in codimension $1$, then there exists a finite \'etale morphism $Y' \to X$ whose restriction to $X \setminus D$ is $Y$. \end{lemma} \begin{proof} This is a special case of Lemma \ref{lemma-purity-one-divisor-general}. First, $D$ is nowhere dense in $X$ (see discussion in Divisors, Section \ref{divisors-section-effective-Cartier-divisors}) and hence $X \setminus D$ is dense in $X$. Second, the ring $\mathcal{O}_{X, x}$ is a regular local ring for all $x \in D$ by Algebra, Lemma \ref{algebra-lemma-regular-mod-x} and our assumption that $\mathcal{O}_{D, x}$ is regular. \end{proof} \begin{example}[Standard tamely ramified morphism] \label{example-tamely-ramified} Let $A$ be a Noetherian ring. Let $f \in A$ be a nonzerodivisor such that $A/fA$ is reduced. This implies that $A_\mathfrak p$ is a discrete valuation ring with uniformizer $f$ for any minimal prime $\mathfrak p$ over $f$. Let $e \geq 1$ be an integer which is invertible in $A$. Set $$ C = A[x]/(x^e - f) $$ Then $\Spec(C) \to \Spec(A)$ is a finite locally free morphism which is \'etale over the spectrum of $A_f$. The finite \'etale morphism $$ \Spec(C_f) \longrightarrow \Spec(A_f) $$ is tamely ramified over $\Spec(A)$ in codimension $1$. The tameness follows immediately from the characterization of tamely ramified extensions in More on Algebra, Lemma \ref{more-algebra-lemma-characterize-tame}. \end{example} \noindent Here is a version of Abhyankar's lemma for regular divisors. \begin{lemma}[Abhyankar's lemma for regular divisor] \label{lemma-abhyankar-one-divisor} Let $X$ be a locally Noetherian scheme. Let $D \subset X$ be an effective Cartier divisor such that $D$ is a regular scheme. Let $Y \to X \setminus D$ be a finite \'etale morphism. If $Y$ is tamely ramified over $X$ in codimension $1$, then \'etale locally on $X$ the morphism $Y \to X$ is as given as a finite disjoint union of standard tamely ramified morphisms as described in Example \ref{example-tamely-ramified}. \end{lemma} \begin{proof} For every $x \in X$ we are going to find an \'etale neighourhood $(U, u) \to (X, x)$ with $U = \Spec(A)$ such that the base change $Y \times_X U \to U$ is a finite disjoint union of standard tamely ramified morphisms as in Example \ref{example-tamely-ramified}. We will assume $x \in D$; the case $x \not \in D$ follows from \'Etale Morphisms, Lemma \ref{etale-lemma-finite-etale-etale-local} and taking $e = 1$ and $f = 1$ in Example \ref{example-tamely-ramified}. \medskip\noindent In this paragraph we reduce to the case where $X$ is the spectrum of a strictly henselian local ring and $x$ is the closed point. Namely, shrinking $X$ we may assume $X = \Spec(A)$ and $D \subset X$ is given by a nonzerodivisor $f \in A$. Then $Y$ is affine as a finite \'etale covering of $\Spec(A_f)$. Write $Y = \Spec(B)$. Let $A^{sh}$ be the strict henselization of $\mathcal{O}_{X, x}$. Since $A \to A^{sh}$ is flat and $x \in D$, we see that $f$ maps to a nonzerodivisor of the maximal ideal of $A^{sh}$. Observe that $A^{sh}/fA^{sh} = (A/fA)^{sh}$ (Algebra, Lemma \ref{algebra-lemma-quotient-strict-henselization}) is a regular local ring as the strict henselization of $\mathcal{O}_{D, x}$, see More on Algebra, Lemma \ref{more-algebra-lemma-henselization-regular}. By Lemma \ref{lemma-pullback-tame-codim1} the base change of $Y$ to $\Spec(A^{sh})$ is tamely ramified in codimension $1$. Assume we've proven the assertion for the base change of $Y$ to $\Spec(A^{sh})$. Since $A^{sh}$ is strictly henselian any \'etale neighbourhood has a section and we conclude that we have an isomorphism $$ A^{sh} \otimes_A B \cong \prod\nolimits_{i \in I} A^{sh}_f[x]/(x^{e_i} - f) $$ where $I$ is a finite set and each $e_i$ is an integer invertible in $A^{sh}$. Write $A^{sh} = \colim A_\lambda$ as a filtered colimit of \'etale $A$-algebras $A_\lambda$. The displayed isomorphism descends to an isomorphism $$ A_\lambda \otimes_A B \cong \prod\nolimits_{i \in I} (A_\lambda)_f[x]/(x^{e_i} - f) $$ for suitably large $\lambda$, see for example Algebra, Lemma \ref{algebra-lemma-colimit-category-fp-algebras}. After increasing $\lambda$ a bit more we may assume $e_i$ is invertible in $A_\lambda$. Then $\Spec(A_\lambda) \to \Spec(A)$ is the desired \'etale neighbourhood of $x$. \medskip\noindent Assume $X = \Spec(A)$ where $A$ is a strictly henselian local ring and $x \in X$ corresponds to the maximal ideal $\mathfrak m$ of $A$. Let $f \in \mathfrak m$ be the nonzerodivisor cutting out $D$. Then $A/fA$ is regular and by Algebra, Lemma \ref{algebra-lemma-regular-mod-x} we find that $A$ is regular too. We will use some properties of regular local rings, for example that they are normal domains, see Algebra, Lemmas \ref{algebra-lemma-regular-domain} and \ref{algebra-lemma-regular-normal}. In particular $A$ is a domain. As above we see that $Y = \Spec(B)$ is affine and $A_f \to B$ is finite \'etale. Hence $B$ is normal too (Algebra, Lemma \ref{algebra-lemma-normal-goes-up}) and we conclude $Y$ is a finite disjoint union of spectra of normal domains by Algebra, Lemma \ref{algebra-lemma-characterize-reduced-ring-normal}. Thus we may assume $B$ is a domain too. Since $A$ and $A/fA$ are domains, we conclude that $f$ is a prime element of $A$ generating a height $1$ prime $\mathfrak p = fA$. Observe that $A_\mathfrak p$ is a discrete valuation ring with uniformizer $f$. \medskip\noindent Let $K$ be the fraction field of $A$ and let $L$ be the fraction field of $B$. The tame ramification assumption means that $L$ is tamely ramified with respect to $A_\mathfrak p$. Let $e \geq 1$ be the product of the ramification indices for $L$ over $A_\mathfrak p$ as in More on Algebra, Remark \ref{more-algebra-remark-finite-separable-extension}. Then $e$ is invertible in $\kappa(\mathfrak p)$ but at this point we do not know that $e$ is invertible in $A/fA$ or in $A$. \medskip\noindent Consider the finite free $A$-algebra $$ A' = A[x]/(x^e - f) $$ This is a local finite extension of a strictly henselian local ring and hence strictly henselian. Observe that $f' = x$ is a nonzerodivisor in $A'$ and that $A'/f'A' \cong A/fA$ is a regular ring. So as before $A'$ is regular and a fortiori a domain. Set $B' = B \otimes_A A' = B \otimes_{A_f} A'_{f'}$. By Abhyankar's lemma (More on Algebra, Lemma \ref{more-algebra-lemma-abhyankar}) we see that $\Spec(B')$ is unramified over $\Spec(A')$ in codimension $1$. Namely, by Lemma \ref{lemma-pullback-tame-codim1} we see that $\Spec(B')$ is still at least tamely ramified over $\Spec(A')$ in codimension $1$. But Abhyankar's lemma tells us that the ramification indices have all become equal to $1$. By Lemma \ref{lemma-purity-one-divisor} we conclude that $\Spec(B') \to \Spec(A'_{f'})$ extends to a finite \'etale morphism $\Spec(C) \to \Spec(A')$. However, since $A'$ is strictly henselian, we conclude that $\Spec(C)$ is a finite disjoint union of copies of $\Spec(A')$. Conclusion: there exists at least one morphism $\Spec(A'_{f'}) \to \Spec(B')$. We conclude that there exists an inclusion $B \subset A'_{f'}$ of $A_f$-algebras. \medskip\noindent It follows that we have inclusions $K \subset L \subset K[f^{1/e}]$. By More on Algebra, Lemma \ref{more-algebra-lemma-pull-root-uniformizer} we conclude that $L$ is equal to $K[f^{1/n}]$ for some divisor $n$ of $e$. The normality of $B$ then implies that $B \cong A_f[y]/(y^n - f)$; details omitted. However, the ramification locus of the ring map $A_f \to A_f[y]/(y^n - f)$ is cut out by $ny^{n - 1}$ which must imply that $n$ is a unit in $A_f$. Since $f$ is a prime element, this means that $n = u f^s$ for some unit $u$ of $A$ and $s \in \mathbf{Z}$. Since $n$ maps to a unit in $\kappa(\mathfrak p)$ we find $s = 0$ and the proof is complete. \end{proof} \begin{lemma} \label{lemma-extend-tame-covering-normal} In the situation of Lemma \ref{lemma-abhyankar-one-divisor} the normalization of $X$ in $Y$ is a finite locally free morphism $\pi : Y' \to X$ such that \begin{enumerate} \item the restriction of $Y'$ to $X \setminus D$ is isomorphic to $Y$, \item $D' = \pi^{-1}(D)_{red}$ is an effective Cartier divisor on $Y'$, and \item $D'$ is a regular scheme. \end{enumerate} Moreover, \'etale locally on $X$ the morphism $Y' \to X$ is a finite disjoint union of morphisms $$ \Spec(A[x]/(x^e - f)) \to \Spec(A) $$ where $A$ is a Noetherian ring, $f \in A$ is a nonzerodivisor with $A/fA$ regular, and $e \geq 1$ is invertible in $A$. \end{lemma} \begin{proof} This is just an addendum to Lemma \ref{lemma-abhyankar-one-divisor} and in fact the truth of this lemma follows almost immediately if you've read the proof of that lemma. But we can also deduce the lemma from the result of Lemma \ref{lemma-abhyankar-one-divisor}. Namely, taking the normalization of $X$ in $Y$ commutes with \'etale base change, see More on Morphisms, Lemma \ref{more-morphisms-lemma-normalization-smooth-localization}. Hence we see that we may prove the statements on the local structure of $Y' \to X$ \'etale locally on $X$. Thus, by Lemma \ref{lemma-abhyankar-one-divisor} we may assume that $X = \Spec(A)$ where $A$ is a Noetherian ring, that we have a nonzerodivisor $f\in A$ such that $A/fA$ is regular, and that $Y$ is a finite disjoint union of spectra of rings $A_f[x]/(x^e - f)$ where $e$ is invertible in $A$. We omit the verification that the integral closure of $A$ in $A_f[x]/(x^e - f)$ is equal to $A' = A[x]/(x^e - f)$. (To see this argue that the localizations of $A'$ at primes lying over $(f)$ are regular.) We omit the details. \end{proof} \begin{lemma} \label{lemma-tame-covering-split} In the situation of Lemma \ref{lemma-abhyankar-one-divisor} let $Y' \to X$ be as in Lemma \ref{lemma-extend-tame-covering-normal}. Let $R$ be a discrete valuation ring with fraction field $K$. Let $$ t : \Spec(R) \to X $$ be a morphism such that the scheme theoretic inverse image $t^{-1}D$ is the reduced closed point of $\Spec(R)$. \begin{enumerate} \item If $t|_{\Spec(K)}$ lifts to a point of $Y$, then we get a lift $t' : \Spec(R) \to Y'$ such that $Y' \to X$ is \'etale along $t'(\Spec(R))$. \item If $\Spec(K) \times_X Y$ is isomorphic to a disjoint union of copies of $\Spec(K)$, then $Y' \to X$ is finite \'etale over an open neighbourhood of $t(\Spec(R))$. \end{enumerate} \end{lemma} \begin{proof} By the valuative criterion of properness applied to the finite morphism $Y' \to X$ we see that $\Spec(K)$-valued points of $Y$ matching $t|_{\Spec(K)}$ as maps into $X$ lift uniquely to morphisms $t' : \Spec(R) \to Y'$. Thus statement (1) make sense. \medskip\noindent Choose an \'etale neighbourhood $(U, u) \to (X, t(\mathfrak m_R))$ such that $U = \Spec(A)$ and such that $Y' \times_X U \to U$ has a description as in Lemma \ref{lemma-extend-tame-covering-normal} for some $f \in A$. Then $\Spec(R) \times_X U \to \Spec(R)$ is \'etale and surjective. If $R'$ denotes the local ring of $\Spec(R) \times_X U$ lying over the closed point of $\Spec(R)$, then $R'$ is a discrete valuation ring and $R \subset R'$ is an unramified extension of discrete valuation rings (More on Algebra, Lemma \ref{more-algebra-lemma-Dedekind-etale-extension}). The assumption on $t$ signifies that the map $A \to R'$ corresponding to $$ \Spec(R') \to \Spec(R) \times_X U \to U $$ maps $f$ to a uniformizer $\pi \in R'$. Now suppose that $$ Y' \times_X U = \coprod\nolimits_{i \in I} \Spec(A[x]/(x^{e_i} - f)) $$ for some $e_i \geq 1$. Then we see that $$ \Spec(R') \times_U (Y' \times_X U) = \coprod\nolimits_{i \in I} \Spec(R'[x]/(x^{e_i} - \pi)) $$ The rings $R'[x]/(x^{e_i} - f)$ are discrete valuation rings (More on Algebra, Lemma \ref{more-algebra-lemma-pull-root-uniformizer}) and hence have no map into the fraction field of $R'$ unless $e_i = 1$. \medskip\noindent Proof of (1). In this case the map $t' : \Spec(R) \to Y'$ base changes to determine a corresponding map $t'' : \Spec(R') \to Y' \times_X U$ which must map into a summand corresponding to $i \in I$ with $e_i = 1$ by the discussion above. Thus clearly we see that $Y' \times_X U \to U$ is \'etale along the image of $t''$. Since being \'etale is a property one can check after \'etale base chamge, this proves (1). \medskip\noindent Proof of (2). In this case the assumption implies that $e_i = 1$ for all $i \in I$. Thus $Y' \times_X U \to U$ is finite \'etale and we conclude as before. \end{proof} \begin{lemma} \label{lemma-extend-covering} Let $S$ be an integral normal Noetherian scheme with generic point $\eta$. Let $f : X \to S$ be a smooth morphism with geometrically connected fibres. Let $\sigma : S \to X$ be a section of $f$. Let $Z \to X_\eta$ be a finite \'etale Galois cover (Section \ref{section-finite-etale-under-galois}) with group $G$ of order invertible on $S$ such that $Z$ has a $\kappa(\eta)$-rational point mapping to $\sigma(\eta)$. Then there exists a finite \'etale Galois cover $Y \to X$ with group $G$ whose restriction to $X_\eta$ is $Z$. \end{lemma} \begin{proof} First assume $S = \Spec(R)$ is the spectrum of a discrete valuation ring $R$ with closed point $s \in S$. Then $X_s$ is an effective Cartier divisor in $X$ and $X_s$ is regular as a scheme smooth over a field. Moreover the generic fibre $X_\eta$ is the open subscheme $X \setminus X_s$. It follows from More on Algebra, Lemma \ref{more-algebra-lemma-galois-conclusion} and the assumption on $G$ that $Z$ is tamely ramified over $X$ in codimension $1$. Let $Z' \to X$ be as in Lemma \ref{lemma-extend-tame-covering-normal}. Observe that the action of $G$ on $Z$ extends to an action of $G$ on $Z'$. By Lemma \ref{lemma-tame-covering-split} we see that $Z' \to X$ is finite \'etale over an open neighbourhood of $\sigma(y)$. Since $X_s$ is irreducible, this implies $Z \to X_\eta$ is unramified over $X$ in codimension $1$. Then we get a finite \'etale morphism $Y \to X$ whose restriction to $X_\eta$ is $Z$ by Lemma \ref{lemma-purity-one-divisor}. Of course $Y \cong Z'$ (details omitted; hint: compute \'etale locally) and hence $Y$ is a Galois cover with group $G$. \medskip\noindent General case. Let $U \subset S$ be a maximal open subscheme such that there exists a finite \'etale Galois cover $Y \to X \times_S U$ with group $G$ whose restriction to $X_\eta$ is isomorphic to $Z$. Assume $U \not = S$ to get a contradiction. Let $s \in S \setminus U$ be a generic point of an irreducible component of $S \setminus U$. Then the inverse image $U_s$ of $U$ in $\Spec(\mathcal{O}_{S, s})$ is the punctured spectrum of $\mathcal{O}_{S, s}$. We claim $Y \times_S U_s \to X \times_S U_s$ is the restriction of a finite \'etale Galois cover $Y'_s \to X \times_S \Spec(\mathcal{O}_{S, s})$ with group $G$. \medskip\noindent Let us first prove the claim produces the desired contradiction. By Limits, Lemma \ref{limits-lemma-glueing-near-point} we find an open subscheme $U \subset U' \subset S$ containing $s$ and a morphism $Y'' \to U'$ of finite presentation whose restriction to $U$ recovers $Y' \to U$ and whose restriction to $\Spec(\mathcal{O}_{S, s})$ recovers $Y'_s$. Moreover, by the equivalence of categories given in the lemma, we may assume after shrinking $U'$ there is a morphism $Y'' \to U' \times_S X$ and there is an action of $G$ on $Y''$ over $U' \times_S X$ compatible with the given morphisms and actions after base change to $U$ and $\Spec(\mathcal{O}_{S, s})$. After shrinking $U'$ further if necessary, we may assume $Y'' \to U \times_S X$ is finite \'etale, see Limits, Lemma \ref{limits-lemma-glueing-near-point-properties}. This means we have found a strictly larger open of $S$ over which $Y$ extends to a finite \'etale Galois cover with group $G$ which gives the contradiction we were looking for. \medskip\noindent Proof of the claim. We may and do replace $S$ by $\Spec(\mathcal{O}_{S, s})$. Then $S = \Spec(A)$ where $(A, \mathfrak m)$ is a local normal domain. Also $U \subset S$ is the punctured spectrum and we have a finite \'etale Galois cover $Y \to X \times_S U$ with group $G$. If $\dim(A) = 1$, then we can construct the extension of $Y$ to a Galois covering of $X$ by the first paragraph of the proof. Thus we may assume $\dim(A) \geq 2$ and hence $\text{depth}(A) \geq 2$ as $S$ is normal, see Algebra, Lemma \ref{algebra-lemma-criterion-normal}. Since $X \to S$ is flat, we conclude that $\text{depth}(\mathcal{O}_{X, x}) \geq 2$ for every point $x \in X$ mapping to $s$, see Algebra, Lemma \ref{algebra-lemma-apply-grothendieck}. Let $$ Y' \longrightarrow X $$ be the finite morphism constructed in Lemma \ref{lemma-extend-S2} using $Y \to X \times_S U$. Observe that we obtain a canonical $G$-action on $Y$. Thus all that remains is to show that $Y'$ is \'etale over $X$. In fact, by Lemma \ref{lemma-purity-smooth-over-depth2} (for example) it even suffices to show that $Y' \to X$ is \'etale over the (unique) generic point of the fibre $X_s$. This we do by a local calculation in a (formal) neighbourhood of $\sigma(s)$. \medskip\noindent Choose an affine open $\Spec(B) \subset X$ containing $\sigma(s)$. Then $A \to B$ is a smooth ring map which has a section $\sigma : B \to A$. Denote $I = \Ker(\sigma)$ and denote $B^\wedge$ the $I$-adic completion of $B$. Then $B^\wedge \cong A[[x_1, \ldots, x_d]]$ for some $d \geq 0$, see Algebra, Lemma \ref{algebra-lemma-section-smooth}. Of course $B \to B^\wedge$ is flat (Algebra, Lemma \ref{algebra-lemma-completion-flat}) and the image of $\Spec(B^\wedge) \to X$ contains the generic point of $X_s$. Let $V \subset \Spec(B^\wedge)$ be the inverse image of $U$. Consider the finite \'etale morphism $$ W = Y \times_{(X \times_S U)} V \longrightarrow V $$ By the compatibility of the construction of $Y'$ with flat base change in Lemma \ref{lemma-extend-S2} we find that the base chang $Y' \times_X \Spec(B^\wedge) \to \Spec(B^\wedge)$ is constructed from $W \to V$ over $\Spec(B^\wedge)$ by the procedure in Lemma \ref{lemma-extend-S2}. Set $V_0 = V \cap V(x_1, \ldots, x_d) \subset V$ and $W_0 = W \times_V V_0$. This is a normal integral scheme which maps into $\sigma(S)$ by the morphism $\Spec(B^\wedge) \to X$ and in fact is identified with $\sigma(U)$. Hence we know that $W_0 \to V_0 = U$ completely decomposes as this is true for its generic fibre by our assumption on $Z \to X_\eta$ having a $\kappa(\eta)$-rational point lying over $\sigma(\eta)$ (and of course the $G$-action then implies the whole fibre $Z_{\sigma(\eta)}$ is a disjoint union of copies of the scheme $\eta = \Spec(\kappa(\eta))$). Finally, by Lemma \ref{lemma-fully-faithful-power-series-over-depth2} we have $$ W_0 \times_U V \cong W $$ This shows that $W$ is a disjoint union of copies of $V$ and hence $Y' \times_X \Spec(B^\wedge)$ is a disjoint union of copies of $\Spec(B^\wedge)$ and the proof is complete. \end{proof} \begin{lemma} \label{lemma-extend-covering-general} Let $S$ be a quasi-compact and quasi-separated integral normal scheme with generic point $\eta$. Let $f : X \to S$ be a quasi-compact and quasi-separated smooth morphism with geometrically connected fibres. Let $\sigma : S \to X$ be a section of $f$. Let $Z \to X_\eta$ be a finite \'etale Galois cover (Section \ref{section-finite-etale-under-galois}) with group $G$ of order invertible on $S$ such that $Z$ has a $\kappa(\eta)$-rational point mapping to $\sigma(\eta)$. Then there exists a finite \'etale Galois cover $Y \to X$ with group $G$ whose restriction to $X_\eta$ is $Z$. \end{lemma} \begin{proof} If $S$ is Noetherian, then this is the result of Lemma \ref{lemma-extend-covering}. The general case follows from this by a standard limit argument. We strongly urge the reader to skip the proof. \medskip\noindent We can write $S = \lim S_i$ as a directed limit of a system of schemes with affine transition morphisms and with $S_i$ of finite type over $\mathbf{Z}$, see Limits, Proposition \ref{limits-proposition-approximate}. For each $i$ let $S \to S'_i \to S_i$ be the normalization of $S_i$ in $S$, see Morphisms, Section \ref{morphisms-section-normalization-X-in-Y}. Combining Algebra, Proposition \ref{algebra-proposition-ubiquity-nagata} Morphisms, Lemmas \ref{morphisms-lemma-nagata-normalization-finite} and \ref{morphisms-lemma-normal-normalization} we conclude that $S'_i$ is of finite type over $\mathbf{Z}$, finite over $S_i$, and that $S'_i$ is an integral normal scheme such that $S \to S'_i$ is dominant. By Morphisms, Lemma \ref{morphisms-lemma-functoriality-normalization} we obtain transition morphisms $S'_{i'} \to S'_i$ compatible with the transition morphisms $S_{i'} \to S_i$ and with the morphisms with source $S$. We claim that $S = \lim S'_i$. Proof of claim omitted (hint: look on affine opens over a chosen affine open in $S_i$ for some $i$ to translate this into a straightforward algebra problem). We conclude that we may write $S = \lim S_i$ as a directed limit of a system of normal integral schemes $S_i$ with affine transition morphisms and with $S_i$ of finite type over $\mathbf{Z}$. \medskip\noindent For some $i$ we can find a smooth morphism $X_i \to S_i$ of finite presentation whose base change to $S$ is $X \to S$. See Limits, Lemmas \ref{limits-lemma-descend-finite-presentation} and \ref{limits-lemma-descend-smooth}. After increasing $i$ we may assume the section $\sigma$ lifts to a section $\sigma_i : S_i \to X_i$ (by the equivalence of categories in Limits, Lemma \ref{limits-lemma-descend-finite-presentation}). We may replace $X_i$ by the open subscheme $X_i^0$ of it studied in More on Morphisms, Section \ref{more-morphisms-section-connected-components} since the image of $X \to X_i$ clearly maps into it (openness by More on Morphisms, Lemma \ref{more-morphisms-lemma-connected-along-section-open}). Thus we may assume the fibres of $X_i \to S_i$ are geometrically connected. After increasing $i$ we may assume $|G|$ is invertible on $S_i$. Let $\eta_i \in S_i$ be the generic point. Since $X_\eta$ is the limit of the schemes $X_{i, \eta_i}$ we can use the exact same arguments to descent $Z \to X_\eta$ to some finite \'etale Galois cover $Z_i \to X_{i, \eta_i}$ after possibly increasing $i$. See Lemma \ref{lemma-limit}. After possibly increasing $i$ once more we may assume $Z_i$ has a $\kappa(\eta_i)$-rational point mapping to $\sigma_i(\eta_i)$. Then we apply the lemma in the Noetherian case and we pullback to $X$ to conclude. \end{proof} \begin{theorem}[Tame specialization] \label{theorem-tame-specialization} \begin{reference} \cite[Expos\'e 182, Th\'eor\`eme 14, p. 219]{FGA} and \cite[Expos\'e XIII, Corollaire 2.9 and Section 2.10]{SGA1}. \end{reference} Let $S$ be a locally Noetherian scheme. Let $f : X \to S$ be a smooth proper morphism with geometrically connected fibres. Let $D \subset X$ be an effective Cartier divisor which is smooth over $S$, and set $U = X \setminus D$. Given a specialization $\overline{s}_1 \leadsto \overline{s}_0$ of geometric points of $S$, there is a specialization homomorphism, well defined up to inner automorphism, $$ sp^t : \pi_1^t(U_{\overline{s}_1}/X_{\overline{s}_1}) \longrightarrow \pi_1^t(U_{\overline{s}_0}/X_{\overline{s}_0}). $$ It is surjective. If the characteristic of $\kappa(\overline{s}_0)$ is zero, then it is an isomorphism. If that characteristic is $p > 0$, then it induces an isomorphism on maximal prime-to-$p$ quotients. \end{theorem} \begin{proof} The smooth divisor $D$ is a relative normal crossings divisor with one branch. The cited base change theorem for tame covers says that finite tame covers on the two geometric fibres are related by a specialization functor. Its degree-zero assertion makes this functor fully faithful. Hence the associated homomorphism of Galois groups is surjective by Lemma \ref{lemma-functoriality-galois-surjective}. If a finite group $G$ has order invertible at $\overline{s}_0$, the degree-one assertion of the same base change theorem identifies the $G$-torsors on the two fibres. Every connected Galois cover with group of order prime to the positive residue characteristic is such a torsor. Thus specialization gives an equivalence on the finite Galois objects of prime-to-$p$ order when the residue characteristic is $p > 0$, which is exactly the asserted isomorphism on maximal prime-to-$p$ quotients. In residue characteristic zero this applies to every finite group and proves that $sp^t$ itself is an isomorphism. \end{proof} \begin{proposition} \label{proposition-tame-fundamental-group-punctured-curve} \begin{reference} \cite[Expos\'e 182, Corollaire sans num\'ero, pp. 219--220]{FGA} and \cite[Expos\'e XIII, Corollaire 2.12]{SGA1}. \end{reference} Let $k$ be an algebraically closed field. Let $X$ be a smooth proper connected curve over $k$ of genus $g$, let $s_1, \ldots, s_n$ be distinct closed points, and set $U = X \setminus \{s_1, \ldots, s_n\}$. There are topological generators $$ x_1, y_1, \ldots, x_g, y_g, \sigma_1, \ldots, \sigma_n \quad\text{of}\quad \pi_1^t(U/X) $$ such that $\sigma_j$ generates a tame inertia subgroup at $s_j$ and $$ \left(\prod_{i = 1}^g [x_i, y_i]\right) \sigma_1 \cdots \sigma_n = 1. $$ If $k$ has characteristic $p > 0$, the maximal prime-to-$p$ quotient of $\pi_1^t(U/X)$ is the pro-prime-to-$p$ completion of the group with these generators and this single relation. In characteristic zero, $\pi_1^t(U/X)$ is the profinite completion of that group. Equivalently, let $G$ be any finite group if $k$ has characteristic zero, and let $G$ have order prime to $p$ if $k$ has characteristic $p > 0$. Given generators $x_i, y_i, \sigma_j$ of $G$ satisfying the displayed relation, there exists a connected finite \'etale Galois cover of $U$ with group $G$ for which the inertia group above $s_j$ is generated by $\sigma_j$. \end{proposition} \begin{proof} In characteristic zero every finite cover is tame along the boundary. After spreading out the pointed curve and using Theorem \ref{theorem-tame-specialization} in characteristic zero, we may embed the field of definition into $\mathbf{C}$. The Riemann existence theorem \cite[Expos\'e XII, Corollaire 5.2]{SGA1} identifies the fundamental group with the profinite completion of the topological fundamental group of a genus $g$ surface punctured at $n$ points. This gives the generators, the relation, and the inertia description. Suppose $k$ has characteristic $p > 0$. Choose a Cohen ring $A$ with residue field $k$. By Deformation Theory, Lemma \ref{defos-lemma-smooth-proper-curve-lift-complete-local}, the curve $X$ lifts to a smooth projective curve $\mathcal{X}$ over $A$. Each $s_j$ lifts to a section of $\mathcal{X} \to \Spec(A)$ by More on Algebra, Lemma \ref{more-algebra-lemma-lift-smooth-henselian}; the sections are disjoint because their special-fibre points are distinct. Their union is a smooth relative effective Cartier divisor $\mathcal{D}$. The geometric generic fibre has genus $g$ as in the proof of Lemma \ref{lemma-fundamental-group-smooth-proper-curve-generators}. Apply Theorem \ref{theorem-tame-specialization} to $(\mathcal{X}, \mathcal{D})$. The images of the characteristic-zero generators topologically generate the tame fundamental group of the special fibre and satisfy the displayed relation. The local standard tame coverings of Example \ref{example-tamely-ramified} show that the image of each $\sigma_j$ generates the corresponding tame inertia group. The same theorem identifies the maximal prime-to-$p$ quotients, proving that there are no further relations there. The final formulation follows from the Galois correspondence. \end{proof} \section{Tricks in positive characteristic} \label{section-achinger} \noindent In Piotr Achinger's paper \cite{Achinger} it is shown that an affine scheme in positive characteristic is always a $K(\pi, 1)$. In this section we explain the more elementary parts of \cite{Achinger}. Namely, we show that for a field $k$ of positive characteristic an affine scheme \'etale over $\mathbf{A}^n_k$ is actually finite \'etale over $\mathbf{A}^n_k$ (by a different morphism). We also show that a closed immersion of connected affine schemes in positive characteristic induces an injective map on \'etale fundamental groups. \medskip\noindent Let $k$ be a field of characteristic $p > 0$. Let $$ k[x_1, \ldots, x_n] \longrightarrow A $$ be a surjection of finite type $k$-algebras whose source is the polynomial algebra on $x_1, \ldots, x_n$. Denote $I \subset k[x_1, \ldots, x_n]$ the kernel so that we have $A = k[x_1, \ldots, x_n]/I$. We do not assume $A$ is nonzero (in other words, we allow the case where $A$ is the zero ring and $I = k[x_1, \ldots, x_n]$). Finally, we assume given a finite \'etale ring map $\pi : A \to B$. \medskip\noindent Suppose given $k, n, k[x_1, \ldots, x_n] \to A, I, \pi : A \to B$. Let $C$ be a $k$-algebra. Consider commutative diagrams $$ \xymatrix{ & B \\ C \ar[r] & C/\varphi(I)C \ar[u]^\tau \\ k[x_1, \ldots, x_n] \ar[u]^\varphi \ar[r] & A \ar[u] \ar@/_3em/[uu]_\pi } $$ where $\varphi$ is an \'etale $k$-algebra map and $\tau$ is a surjective $k$-algebra map. Let $C, \varphi, \tau$ be given. For any $r \geq 0$ and $y_1, \ldots, y_r \in C$ which generate $C$ as an algebra over $\Im(\varphi)$ let $s = s(r, y_1, \ldots, y_r) \in \{0, \ldots, r\}$ be the maximal element such that $y_i$ is integral over $\Im(\varphi)$ for $1 \leq i \leq s$. We define $NF(C, \varphi, \tau)$ to be the minimum value of $r - s = r - s(r, y_1, \ldots, y_r)$ for all choices of $r$ and $y_1, \ldots, y_r$ as above. Observe that $NF(C, \varphi, \tau)$ is $0$ if and only if $\varphi$ is finite. \begin{lemma} \label{lemma-lower-invariant} In the situation above, if $NF(C, \varphi, \tau) > 0$, then there exist an \'etale $k$-algebra map $\varphi'$ and a surjective $k$-algebra map $\tau'$ fitting into the commutative diagram $$ \xymatrix{ & B \\ C \ar[r] & C/\varphi'(I)C \ar[u]_{\tau'} \\ k[x_1, \ldots, x_n] \ar[u]^{\varphi'} \ar[r] & A \ar[u] \ar@/_3em/[uu]_\pi } $$ with $NF(C, \varphi', \tau') < NF(C, \varphi, \tau)$. \end{lemma} \begin{proof} Choose $r \geq 0$ and $y_1, \ldots, y_r \in C$ which generate $C$ over $\Im(\varphi)$ and let $0 \leq s \leq r$ be such that $y_1, \ldots, y_s$ are integral over $\Im(\varphi)$ such that $r - s = NF(C, \varphi, \tau) > 0$. Since $B$ is finite over $A$, the image of $y_{s + 1}$ in $B$ satisfies a monic polynomial over $A$. Hence we can find $d \geq 1$ and $f_1, \ldots, f_d \in k[x_1, \ldots, x_n]$ such that $$ z = y_{s + 1}^d + \varphi(f_1) y_{s + 1}^{d - 1} + \ldots + \varphi(f_d) \in J = \Ker(C \to C/\varphi(I)C \xrightarrow{\tau} B) $$ Since $\varphi : k[x_1, \ldots, x_n] \to C$ is \'etale, we can find a nonzero and nonconstant polynomial $g \in k[T_1, \ldots, T_{n + 1}]$ such that $$ g(\varphi(x_1), \ldots, \varphi(x_n), z) = 0 \quad\text{in}\quad C $$ To see this you can use for example that $C \otimes_{\varphi, k[x_1, \ldots, x_n]} k(x_1, \ldots, x_n)$ is a finite product of finite separable field extensions of $k(x_1, \ldots, x_n)$ (see Algebra, Lemmas \ref{algebra-lemma-etale-over-field}) and hence $z$ satisfies a monic polynomial over $k(x_1, \ldots, x_n)$. Clearing denominators we obtain $g$. \medskip\noindent The existence of $g$ and Algebra, Lemma \ref{algebra-lemma-helper-polynomial} produce integers $e_1, e_2, \ldots, e_n \geq 1$ such that $z$ is integral over the subring $C'$ of $C$ generated by $t_1 = \varphi(x_1) + z^{pe_1}, \ldots, t_n = \varphi(x_n) + z^{pe_n}$. Of course, the elements $\varphi(x_1), \ldots, \varphi(x_n)$ are also integral over $C'$ as are the elements $y_1, \ldots, y_s$. Finally, by our choice of $z$ the element $y_{s + 1}$ is integral over $C'$ too. \medskip\noindent Consider the ring map $$ \varphi' : k[x_1, \ldots, x_n] \longrightarrow C, \quad x_i \longmapsto t_i $$ with image $C'$. Since $\text{d}(\varphi(x_i)) = \text{d}(t_i) = \text{d}(\varphi'(x_i))$ in $\Omega_{C/k}$ (and this is where we use the characteristic of $k$ is $p > 0$) we conclude that $\varphi'$ is \'etale because $\varphi$ is \'etale, see Algebra, Lemma \ref{algebra-lemma-characterize-etale-over-polynomial-ring}. Observe that $\varphi'(x_i) - \varphi(x_i) = t_i - \varphi(x_i) = z^{pe_i}$ is in the kernel $J$ of the map $C \to C/\varphi(I)C \to B$ by our choice of $z$ as an element of $J$. Hence for $f \in I$ the element $$ \varphi'(f) = f(t_1, \ldots, t_n) = f(\varphi(x_1) + z^{pe_1}, \ldots, \varphi(x_n) + z^{pe_n}) = \varphi(f) + \text{element of }(z) $$ is in $J$ as well. In other words, $\varphi'(I)C \subset J$ and we obtain a surjection $$ \tau' : C/\varphi'(I)C \longrightarrow C/J \cong B $$ of algebras \'etale over $A$. Finally, the algebra $C$ is generated by the elements $\varphi(x_1), \ldots, \varphi(x_n), y_1, \ldots, y_r$ over $C' = \Im(\varphi')$ with $\varphi(x_1), \ldots, \varphi(x_n), y_1, \ldots, y_{s + 1}$ integral over $C' = \Im(\varphi')$. Hence $NF(C, \varphi', \tau') < r - s = NF(C, \varphi, \tau)$. This finishes the proof. \end{proof} \begin{lemma} \label{lemma-affine-etale-over-affine-space} Let $k$ be a field of characteristic $p > 0$. Let $X \to \mathbf{A}^n_k$ be an \'etale morphism with $X$ affine. Then there exists a finite \'etale morphism $X \to \mathbf{A}^n_k$. \end{lemma} \begin{proof} Write $X = \Spec(C)$. Set $A = 0$ and denote $I = k[x_1, \ldots, x_n]$. By assumption there exists some \'etale $k$-algebra map $\varphi : k[x_1, \ldots, x_n] \to C$. Denote $\tau : C/\varphi(I)C \to 0$ the unique surjection. We may choose $\varphi$ and $\tau$ such that $N(C, \varphi, \tau)$ is minimal. By Lemma \ref{lemma-lower-invariant} we get $N(C, \varphi, \tau) = 0$. Hence $\varphi$ is finite \'etale. \end{proof} \begin{lemma} \label{lemma-dominate-affine-space} Let $k$ be a field of characteristic $p > 0$. Let $Z \subset \mathbf{A}^n_k$ be a closed subscheme. Let $Y \to Z$ be finite \'etale. There exists a finite \'etale morphism $f : U \to \mathbf{A}^n_k$ such that there is an open and closed immersion $Y \to f^{-1}(Z)$ over $Z$. \end{lemma} \begin{proof} Let us turn the problem into algebra. Write $\mathbf{A}^n_k = \Spec(k[x_1, \ldots, x_n])$. Then $Z = \Spec(A)$ where $A = k[x_1, \ldots, x_n]/I$ for some ideal $I \subset k[x_1, \ldots, x_n]$. Write $Y = \Spec(B)$ so that $Y \to Z$ corresponds to the finite \'etale $k$-algebra map $A \to B$. \medskip\noindent By Algebra, Lemma \ref{algebra-lemma-lift-etale} there exists an \'etale ring map $$ \varphi : k[x_1, \ldots, x_n] \to C $$ and a surjective $A$-algebra map $\tau : C/\varphi(I)C \to B$. (We can even choose $C, \varphi, \tau$ such that $\tau$ is an isomorphism, but we won't use this). We may choose $\varphi$ and $\tau$ such that $N(C, \varphi, \tau)$ is minimal. By Lemma \ref{lemma-lower-invariant} we get $N(C, \varphi, \tau) = 0$. Hence $\varphi$ is finite \'etale. \medskip\noindent Let $f : U = \Spec(C) \to \mathbf{A}^n_k$ be the finite \'etale morphism corresponding to $\varphi$. The morphism $Y \to f^{-1}(Z) = \Spec(C/\varphi(I)C)$ induced by $\tau$ is a closed immersion as $\tau$ is surjective and open as it is an \'etale morphism by Morphisms, Lemma \ref{morphisms-lemma-etale-permanence}. This finishes the proof. \end{proof} \noindent Here is the main result. \begin{proposition} \label{proposition-injective} Let $p$ be a prime number. Let $i : Z \to X$ be a closed immersion of connected affine schemes over $\mathbf{F}_p$. For any geometric point $\overline{z}$ of $Z$ the map $$ \pi_1(Z, \overline{z}) \to \pi_1(X, \overline{z}) $$ is injective. \end{proposition} \begin{proof} Let $Y \to Z$ be a finite \'etale morphism. It suffices to construct a finite \'etale morphism $f : U \to X$ such that $Y$ is isomorphic to an open and closed subscheme of $f^{-1}(Z)$, see Lemma \ref{lemma-functoriality-galois-injective}. Write $Y = \Spec(A)$ and $X = \Spec(R)$ so the closed immersion $Y \to X$ is given by a surjection $R \to A$. We may write $A = \colim A_i$ as the filtered colimit of its $\mathbf{F}_p$-subalgebras of finite type. By Lemma \ref{lemma-limit} we can find an $i$ and a finite \'etale morphism $Y_i \to Z_i = \Spec(A_i)$ such that $Y = Z \times_{Z_i} Y_i$. \medskip\noindent Choose a surjection $\mathbf{F}_p[x_1, \ldots, x_n] \to A_i$. This determines a closed immersion $$ Z_i = \Spec(A_i) \longrightarrow X_i = \mathbf{A}^n_{\mathbf{F}_p} = \Spec(\mathbf{F}_p[x_1, \ldots, x_n]) $$ By the universal property of polynomial algebras and since $R \to A$ is surjective, we can find a commutative diagram $$ \xymatrix{ \mathbf{F}_p[x_1, \ldots, x_n] \ar[r] \ar[d] & A_i \ar[d] \\ R \ar[r] & A } $$ of $\mathbf{F}_p$-algebras. Thus we have a commutative diagram $$ \xymatrix{ Y_i \ar[r] & Z_i \ar[r] & X_i \\ Y \ar[u] \ar[r] & Z \ar[u] \ar[r] & X \ar[u] } $$ whose right square is cartesian. Clearly, if we can find $f_i : U_i \to X_i$ finite \'etale such that $Y_i$ is isomorphic to an open and closed subscheme of $f_i^{-1}(Z_i)$, then the base change $f : U \to X$ of $f_i$ by $X \to X_i$ is a solution to our problem. Thus we conclude by applying Lemma \ref{lemma-dominate-affine-space} to $Y_i \to Z_i \to X_i = \mathbf{A}^n_{\mathbf{F}_p}$. \end{proof} \input{chapters} \bibliography{my} \bibliographystyle{amsalpha} \end{document}