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For a finite cover whose nonempty intersections have zero sheaf cohomology in degrees $1,\dots ,i-1$, the displayed sequence is exact for $i>0$. Apply the Čech cochain complex to a flasque resolution. Local primitives and successive primitives of their overlap differences reduce a class with zero restrictions to a Čech cocycle with values in the original sheaf. Vanishing in degree $i$ on all intersections is not needed.

For a finite affine cover of a semi-separated scheme, every finite intersection is affine. The augmented sheaf Čech cochain complex is exact: near each point, an open of the cover contains the neighbourhood under consideration, and inserting its index contracts the complex. Its terms are acyclic for a quasi-coherent sheaf, by affine cohomology vanishing and the affine-intersection property. Alternatively, apply the section-level Čech cochain complex to a flasque resolution; the two computations of the resulting double complex identify Čech cohomology with sheaf cohomology. Stalks of direct images from opens outside those opens need not vanish, so exactness must not be justified by treating these direct images as extensions by zero.

For an affine morphism $f:X\to Y$ and a quasi-coherent sheaf $\mathcal{F}$ on $X$, the direct image sheaf has the same sheaf cohomology on $Y$ as $\mathcal{F}$ on $X$. To prove this, take a flasque resolution $\mathcal{F}\to {\mathcal{I}}^{\bullet }$. Its direct images are flasque sheaves. On each affine open $V\subset Y$, the complex of sections of the direct images is $\Gamma (f^{-1}V,{\mathcal{I}}^{\bullet })$. By vanishing of quasi-coherent cohomology on an affine scheme, this augmented complex is exact. Checking on the affine basis proves that $f_{\ast }{\mathcal{I}}^{\bullet }$ resolves $f_{\ast }\mathcal{F}$. Its global sections are identical to those of the original resolution.

Embed a sheaf of abelian groups $\mathcal{F}$ into the sheaf $C(\mathcal{F})(U)={\prod }_{P\in U}{\mathcal{F}}_P$ by all its germs. Restrictions are projections, so $C(\mathcal{F})$ is flasque. Repeat on the successive sheaf cokernels to obtain a canonical flasque resolution. Its complex of global sections computes sheaf cohomology. When $\mathcal{F}$ is itself flasque, the flasque-kernel section-lifting lemma makes every successive quotient flasque and makes the global-section complex exact in positive degrees, proving $H^q(X,\mathcal{F})=0$ for $q>0$ without assuming that vanishing in the construction.

A positive-degree sheaf cohomology class restricts to zero on some neighbourhood of every point, because a representing cocycle in a flasque resolution is locally a boundary. If a basis closed under finite intersections has vanishing local cohomology in degrees $1,\dots ,i-1$, the neighbourhoods can be chosen in that basis so that the image of the class in $H^i(X,{}_U\mathcal{F})$ is zero. Here ${}_U\mathcal{F}$ is the direct image from an open restriction. Lower local vanishing makes the edge map $H^i(X,{}_U\mathcal{F})\to H^i(U,\mathcal{F}{|}_U)$ injective. Local vanishing of a class alone does not imply global vanishing.

Let $i:X_{\mathrm{red}}\hookrightarrow X$ be the reduced induced subscheme, with structure sheaf ${\mathcal{O}}_{X_{\mathrm{red}}}={\mathcal{O}}_X/\mathcal{N}$. Its underlying map of topological spaces is a homeomorphism, since every prime ideal contains the nilradical.

Put $\mathcal{G}=\mathcal{F}/\mathcal{N}\mathcal{F}$. Multiplication by $\mathcal{N}$ annihilates $\mathcal{G}$, so its action by ${\mathcal{O}}_X$ factors through ${\mathcal{O}}_X/\mathcal{N}$. Thus $\mathcal{G}$ is naturally a sheaf of modules over ${\mathcal{O}}_{X_{\mathrm{red}}}$. On an affine open subscheme $\mathrm{Spec}A$, with $\mathcal{F}=\tilde{M}$, it corresponds to $M/\mathrm{Nil}(A)M$ over $A/\mathrm{Nil}(A)$, so it remains a quasi-coherent sheaf.

The sheaf cohomology of a sheaf of modules is the sheaf cohomology of its underlying sheaf of abelian groups. Under the above homeomorphism, that underlying sheaf is identical on the two spaces: the global sections functor and its flasque resolutions are identical. Equivalently, use sheaf cohomology under a closed inclusion with $i_{\ast }\mathcal{G}$. Therefore there are canonical isomorphisms, in every degree,In particular, this gives the requested equality in degree one. Equality of the underlying topological spaces alone would not compare arbitrary coefficient sheaves; the factorization of the action explains why the indicated coefficients are the same.

Write the affine variety as $X=\mathrm{Spec}A$. Its coordinate ring is Noetherian, and a coherent sheaf is $\mathcal{F}=\tilde{M}$ for a finitely generated $A$-module $M$. We first justify the acyclic resolution used to compute its sheaf cohomology.

If $I$ is an injective module, then $\tilde{I}$ is a flasque sheaf. Indeed every open $U$ in this Noetherian scheme has the form $X\setminus V(\mathfrak{a})$ for a finitely generated ideal. Clearing denominators givesHere a homomorphism $h:{\mathfrak{a}}^n\to I$ gives, on a principal open $D(f)$ with $f\in \mathfrak{a}$, the fraction $h(f^n)/f^n$; the fractions agree on overlaps. Conversely choose fractions for a section on a finite principal-open cover. A common power clears their denominators and the finitely many compatibility relations. Multiplication by a further power of $\mathfrak{a}$ kills any elements supported on $V(\mathfrak{a})$, producing a well-defined map on some ${\mathfrak{a}}^n$. Changing that power accounts for the direct limit. This is the sheafification of an injective module is flasque construction. Since $I$ is injective, each map ${\mathfrak{a}}^n\to I$ extends to $A\to I$. Thus every section on every open extends to $X$. Extending globally and restricting again also proves surjectivity for restrictions between arbitrary opens.

Choose an injective module resolution $0\to M\to I^0\to I^1\to \cdots$. Localization is exact, so sheafifying gives a flasque resolution of $\mathcal{F}$. Its global-section complex is exactly $I^{\bullet }$, since $\Gamma (\mathrm{Spec}A,\tilde{I})=I$. This complex is exact in positive degrees, and a flasque resolution computes sheaf cohomology. ConsequentlyThe argument actually proves vanishing of quasi-coherent cohomology on an affine scheme, without finite generation of $M$.

For the intersection assertion, varieties are taken to be separated, as usual. The diagonal morphism $X\to X{\times }_{k}X$ is a closed immersion. Its inverse image over $U{\times }_{k}V$ identifies $U\cap V$ with a closed subvariety of the affine variety $U{\times }_{k}V$. A closed subvariety of an affine variety is affine: its coordinate ring is the ambient coordinate ring modulo its defining ideal. Thus $U\cap V$ is affine. Repeated application gives affine finite intersections. Without separatedness this statement need not hold.

Choose a finite affine open cover $(U_{\alpha })$ of the projective variety $X$. For ordered indices write $U_{{\alpha }_0\cdots {\alpha }_p}=U_{{\alpha }_0}\cap \cdots \cap U_{{\alpha }_p}$. The answer is the cohomology of the Čech cochain complexIn particular $H^0=\ker (C^0\to C^1)$ and, in positive degree,The chart modules $\Gamma (U_{\alpha },\mathcal{F})$, together with their restriction and gluing maps, supply the modules on overlaps by localization. The gluing maps are essential; abstract chart modules alone do not specify a sheaf.

For completeness, take a flasque resolution $\mathcal{F}\to {\mathcal{I}}^{\bullet }$ and its double complex of Čech cochain complexes on this cover. In the resolution direction, its cohomology is $H^q(U_{{\alpha }_0\cdots {\alpha }_p},\mathcal{F})$, which vanishes for $q>0$ by the affine result. In the cover direction, the augmented Čech cochain complex of a flasque sheaf is exact: sections can be extended from overlaps, successively adjusting a cocycle to eliminate one cover member at a time. Equivalently the augmented sheaf complex is stalkwise contracted by inserting a cover index containing the point. Thus computing the total cohomology in the two directions identifies Čech cohomology with sheaf cohomology, proving the displayed description.

Let $V\subseteq U$ be open subsets, and let $s\in {\mathcal{F}}_3(V)$. The assumed flasque-kernel section-lifting lemma lifts $s$ to $\tilde{s}\in {\mathcal{F}}_2(V)$. Since ${\mathcal{F}}_2$ is a flabby sheaf, extend $\tilde{s}$ to a section on $U$, then project to ${\mathcal{F}}_3(U)$. Its restriction is $s$. Thus every restriction map of ${\mathcal{F}}_3$ is surjective, proving that the quotient of two flabby sheaves in a short exact sequence is flabby.

For the construction of sheaf cohomology, embed a sheaf of abelian groups $\mathcal{F}$ into the sheafby sending a section to all its germs. This is injective because a section with every germ zero is zero. Arbitrary families of stalk elements glue point by point, and restriction maps are projections; hence $C(\mathcal{F})$ is a flabby sheaf. Set ${\mathcal{Q}}^0=\mathcal{F}$, ${\mathcal{I}}^j=C({\mathcal{Q}}^j)$ and ${\mathcal{Q}}^{j+1}={\mathcal{I}}^j/{\mathcal{Q}}^j$. Compose the quotient map with the next embedding to obtain the flasque resolutionThe sheaf cohomology groups are the cohomology groups of the resulting cochain complex of global sections:The usual comparison of resolutions identifies this construction with the right derived functors of global sections; the construction above is the Godement resolution.

If $\mathcal{F}$ is itself a flabby sheaf, the quotient argument shows inductively that every ${\mathcal{Q}}^j$ is flabby. The assumed lifting result therefore makesan exact sequence for every $j$. The global-section complex is consequently exact in every positive degree. In particular,This establishes the vanishing from the section-lifting property rather than assuming it in advance.

For the smooth algebraic curve $X$, a divisor on an algebraic curve is a finite formal sum $D={\sum }_P{n}_{P}P$ of closed points with integer coefficients. At each closed point, the local ring of a smooth algebraic curve is a discrete valuation ring; write its normalized discrete valuation as $v_P$. For $f\in k(X{)}^{\ast }$ the principal divisor is $\mathrm{div}(f)={\sum }_P{v}_P(f)P$. Only finitely many coefficients are nonzero: zeros and poles are proper closed subsets in the Noetherian Zariski topology of a curve. The divisor class group is the abelian groupEquivalently, its elements are divisors on an algebraic curve modulo linear equivalence of divisors.

Let $S=k[X_0,\dots ,X_n]$ with its usual grading, and put $S(m{)}_d=S_{m+d}$. Define the twisting sheaf on projective space byMore explicitly, on $U_i=D_{+}(X_i)$ its sections are the homogeneous degree-$m$ part of $S_{X_i}$. They are a free rank-one module over $(S_{X_i}{)}_0=k[X_j/X_i:j\ne i]$, with generator $e_i=X_i^m$. These generators make sense for every integer $m$, since $X_i$ is invertible on this chart. Their transition rule isThe ratios are regular units on overlaps and satisfy the cocycle identity, so they glue to an invertible sheaf. In particular $\mathcal{O}(m)\otimes \mathcal{O}(r)\cong \mathcal{O}(m+r)$.

For $n\ge 1$, a global section is a compatible homogeneous degree-$m$ rational expression lying in every $S_{X_i}$. Inside the fraction field of $S$,To justify this, write a fraction in lowest terms in the unique factorization domain $S$. Membership in $S_{X_i}$ forces every irreducible divisor of its denominator to be associated with $X_i$. Since there are at least two nonassociated variables, the denominator must be a unit. ThereforeThe degree-$m$ monomials are indexed by nonnegative integers $a_0,\dots ,a_n$ with sum $m$. The stars and bars count givesHere and below, an all-integer binomial shorthand must use the counting convention $\left(\genfrac{}{}{0ex}{}{a}{n}\right)=0$ when $a<n$, including negative $a$. The polynomial extension of binomial coefficients to negative upper arguments does not give the stated dimensions. In dimension zero, ${\mathbb{P}}^0$ is one point and every ${\mathcal{O}}_{{\mathbb{P}}^0}(m)$ is trivial, so its space of global sections is $k$ for every $m$; this case is treated separately.

For a closed inclusion $i:H\hookrightarrow {\mathbb{P}}^n$, direct image sheaf formation is exact: its stalk is the original stalk at a point of $H$ and zero outside $H$. It preserves flabby sheaves, since restrictions on the target are restrictions between the corresponding open subsets of $H$. Push forward a flasque resolution of $\mathcal{F}$; exactness gives a flasque resolution of $i_{\ast }\mathcal{F}$, and its complex of global sections is the original one becauseTaking cohomology of these identical complexes proves sheaf cohomology under a closed inclusion:This argument applies even without quasi-coherence.

We derive the remaining sheaf cohomology dimensions using the given eventual vanishing, the long exact sequence in sheaf cohomology, and induction on dimension. Multiplication by the linear equation of a hyperplane $H\cong {\mathbb{P}}^{n-1}$ gives the hyperplane exact sequence for twisting sheavesExactness can be checked in each chart by quotienting its polynomial ring by the equation of $H$; multiplication is injective because that equation is a non-zero-divisor. We use the closed-inclusion cohomology identification to replace the cohomology of the final sheaf by that on $H$.

The dimension-zero base is a point, whose global-section functor is exact. Thus all its higher sheaf cohomology is zero. For $n=1$, the relevant long exact sequence isWhen $m\ge 0$, restriction of homogeneous polynomials to the hyperplane point is surjective: after choosing that point as $[1:0]$, the section $X_0^m$ restricts to a generator. Therefore the consecutive $H^1$ groups are isomorphic for $m\ge 0$. The given vanishing for large $m$ propagates down to $m=-1$. For $m<0$, both displayed $H^0$ groups are zero, and the sequence becomesStarting with $H^1(\mathcal{O}(-1))=0$, induction downward gives $h^1(\mathcal{O}(m))=-m-1$ for $m\le -2$. For degrees $i>1$, the point contributes no cohomology to the exact sequence, so consecutive $H^i$ groups are isomorphic for every $m$; the given eventual vanishing makes them all zero. Hence the complete positive-degree formula holds for ${\mathbb{P}}^1$.

Now let $n\ge 2$ and assume the formulas for $H\cong {\mathbb{P}}^{n-1}$. For every $m$, the restrictionis surjective: for $m\ge 0$ extend a polynomial in the hyperplane coordinates to the same polynomial on ${\mathbb{P}}^n$, and for $m<0$ both groups vanish because $H$ has positive dimension. Consequently the exact sequence gives an injectionFor $2\le i\le n-1$, the induction hypothesis says $H^{i-1}(H,{\mathcal{O}}_H(m))=0$, and gives the same injection in degree $i$. For each fixed $m$, composing finitely many injections reaches a sufficiently large twist, whose higher cohomology is zero by the given hypothesis. ThereforeFor $i>n$, the two neighbouring hyperplane groups $H^{i-1}(H,{\mathcal{O}}_H(m))$ and $H^i(H,{\mathcal{O}}_H(m))$ are zero by induction. Consecutive $H^i$ groups on ${\mathbb{P}}^n$ are then isomorphic, and eventual vanishing again makes them zero. This derives vanishing above the dimension too, without needing a special projective-space cohomology theorem.

For top cohomology the exact sequence now reduces toWrite $b_n(m)=h^n({\mathcal{O}}_{{\mathbb{P}}^n}(m))$. The induction hypothesis and eventual vanishing give the recurrenceConsecutive top groups agree for $m\ge -n+1$, so descending from a large twist gives $b_n(m)=0$ for $m\ge -n$. Below this range, iterating the recurrence gives a finite sum:The last equality follows by summing Pascal's identity. These short exact sequences also prove that every group whose dimension is being counted is finite-dimensional. Thus, for $n\ge 1$,With the stated counting convention, the latter is the requested single binomial formula. The base ${\mathbb{P}}^0$ has $h^0=1$ for all twists and no higher cohomology; it is not governed by the negative-twist $H^0$ rule for positive-dimensional projective space.

Finally calculate the canonical line bundle of a smooth variety from its transition functions. On $U_0$ write $t_j=X_j/X_0$ for $1\le j\le n$. On $U_i$, $i>0$, take the coordinates $u_j=X_j/X_i$ in increasing order of $j\ne i$. ThusIn their wedge product, $d{u}_0=-t_i^{-2}d{t}_i$ and
$d{u}_j=t_i^{-1}d{t}_j-t_j{t}_i^{-2}d{t}_i$. Every term involving a second $d{t}_i$ vanishes, so reordering the remaining differentials givesThis computation is valid in every characteristic. Multiply the ordered local generator on $U_i$ by $(-1{)}^i$. The resulting generators ${\eta }_i$ satisfy ${\eta }_i=(X_i/X_0{)}^{-n-1}{\eta }_0$ on $U_i\cap U_0$, and hence the corresponding transition rule on every overlap. They are exactly the transitions of $\mathcal{O}(-n-1)$. Therefore the canonical bundle of projective space is

For a line bundle, Serre duality statesThe intermediate groups on both sides vanish. In the two outer degrees, the top group at twist $m$ has the same dimension as the global-section group at twist $-m-n-1$:The polynomial degree on the right is nonnegative precisely when $m\le -n-1$, and its dimension is $\left(\genfrac{}{}{0ex}{}{-m-1}{n}\right)$. Interchanging $m$ and $-m-n-1$ checks the other outer degree. On ${\mathbb{P}}^0$ both sides are one-dimensional. Thus all the formulas are consistent with Serre duality, which was used only for this final consistency check, not to prove the cohomology formulas.

For a sheaf of abelian groups $\mathcal{F}$ on a topological space $X$, putThese arbitrary families of germs form a sheaf, and restrictions are projections. Extending a family by zero proves that $C(\mathcal{F})$ is flasque. Sending a section to all its germs gives an injective sheaf map $\mathcal{F}\to C(\mathcal{F})$, since a section with every germ zero vanishes locally and hence globally.

Set $Q^{-1}=\mathcal{F}$, $I^j=C(Q^{j-1})$ and $Q^j=\mathrm{coker}(Q^{j-1}\to I^j)$, using the sheaf cokernel. Compose $I^j\to Q^j\to I^{j+1}$ to obtain the Godement resolutionIt is exact by construction, with flasque terms. Define sheaf cohomology by the cohomology of its global-section complex:The resolution principle for sheaf cohomology identifies this with the computation using any flasque resolution.

The elementary input for acyclicity is the flasque-kernel section-lifting lemma: in a short exact sequence with flasque kernel, sections of the quotient lift over every open subset. Consequently a quotient of two flasque sheaves is flasque, because a quotient section lifts and that lift extends. If $\mathcal{F}$ itself is flasque, induction through $0\to Q^{j-1}\to I^j\to Q^j\to 0$ makes every $Q^j$ flasque. The same lifting lemma makes these sequences exact on global sections. Hence the global-section complex has no positive-degree cohomology, provingThis deduction uses the lifting lemma, not the desired cohomological vanishing as an assumption.

For the rational-section construction, add two representative sections after restricting to the intersection of their dense domains. Multiply by a representative rational function in the same way. Finite intersections of dense open sets are dense, and further restricting both representatives does not change their resulting class. The module axioms hold on their common domain. Thus rational sections form a module over $\mathrm{Rat}(X)$; irreducibility is not needed for this module statement. When $X$ is irreducible, $\mathrm{Rat}(X)$ is the function field $K=k(X)$.

Suppose now that $\mathcal{F}$ is locally free and $X$ irreducible. A germ at $P$ is represented on a nonempty open neighbourhood, which is dense, so it defines a rational section. Two representatives of the germ agree on a neighbourhood of $P$ and therefore give the same class. If the class is zero, trivialize $\mathcal{F}$ on a neighbourhood of $P$. Its coefficient functions vanish on a dense open subset; regular functions on a reduced irreducible variety with this property vanish identically. The germ is therefore zero. This proves the stalk inclusion into rational sections of a locally free sheaf:Local freeness matters: a nonzero torsion germ can vanish on a dense open set.

On an irreducible algebraic curve, every proper closed subset is finite, and every open subset is quasi-compact because the Zariski space is Noetherian. Let $R=\mathrm{Rat}(\mathcal{F})$. The constant sheaf $\mathcal{R}(\mathcal{F})$ has sections $R$ on every nonempty open set: such opens are irreducible and hence connected. DefineRestriction drops the components outside the smaller open set. For a compatible family over an open cover of $U$, take a finite subcover by quasi-compactness. The union of the finite supports of these finitely many sections is finite. Their agreeing components therefore glue to a unique finite-support tuple on $U$. This verifies the sheaf gluing axiom, including arbitrary covers, rather than merely asserting that a presheaf direct sum is always a sheaf.

A rational section is regular on some dense open set, whose complement on a curve is finite. Its classes $[s{]}_P\in R/{\mathcal{F}}_P$ therefore have finite support, defining a sheaf map $\mathcal{R}(\mathcal{F})\to \mathcal{P}(\mathcal{F})$. At $P$, the first sheaf has stalk $R$. The second has stalk $R/{\mathcal{F}}_P$: any finite tuple can be restricted to a neighbourhood omitting all its other support points, and its $P$-component is unaffected by such restriction. The resulting sequence on stalks isExactness of sheaves can be tested on stalks, so this proves the rational principal-parts resolution on an algebraic curveBoth right-hand sheaves are flasque: restrictions for the constant rational-section sheaf are identities between nonempty opens, and restrictions for the rational principal-parts sheaf are projections, with extension by zero. ConsequentlySurjectivity on stalks has not been confused with surjectivity on global sections.

For an explicit failure of global surjectivity take $X={\mathbb{P}}^1$ and $\mathcal{F}=\mathcal{O}(-2)$. Use coordinate $z=X_1/X_0$ and frame $e_0=X_0^{-2}$ on the finite chart. At infinity use $w=1/z$ and $e_{\infty }=X_1^{-2}=z^{-2}{e}_0$. Prescribe the rational principal part of $z^{-1}{e}_0$ at zero and zero at every other point. If a rational section $r(z)e_0$ realized this tuple, then $r-z^{-1}$ would be regular at zero and $r$ would be regular at every other finite point. Thus $r=z^{-1}+p(z)$ with $p\in k[z]$. Regularity at infinity would requireto be regular at $w=0$. Its $w^{-1}$ term cannot cancel with any term of the polynomial contribution, whose powers are at most $-2$. This is impossible. Hence the global rational-principal-part map need not be surjective.

For an affine curve it is always surjective, and here is a direct construction. Write $X=\mathrm{Spec}A$, $K=\mathrm{Frac}A$ and $\mathcal{F}=\tilde{M}$. By the affine module sheaf construction, $R=M{\otimes }_{A}K=:M_K$ and ${\mathcal{F}}_P=M_{{\mathfrak{m}}_P}$. Choose representatives $v_P\in M_K$ for a prescribed finite tuple, and choose one nonzero $a\in A$ with $a{v}_P\in M$ for all of them. The zero set $T=V(a)$ is finite. The ring $A/(a)$ is Artinian, since it is Noetherian of dimension zero, and its Artinian decomposition into local factors givesPrescribe the class of $a{v}_P$ in the indicated component for each requested point in $T$, and zero in the other components. A requested point outside $T$ already has zero principal part because $a$ is a unit there. Lift the tuple to $w\in M$. Then $s=w/a\in M_K$ satisfies $s-v_P\in M_{{\mathfrak{m}}_P}$ at every requested point in $T$, and is regular at every other point of $T$. Outside $T$ it is regular because $a$ is invertible. It therefore realizes exactly the prescribed tuple. This proves affine principal-parts interpolation for a locally free sheaf and givesNo nonsingularity assumption was used; the construction applies to singular irreducible affine curves as well.

The intersection hypothesis says that $X$ is a semi-separated scheme. For an affine open subscheme $V\subseteq X$, the intersection $V\cap U$ is affine. Restricting the given short exact sequence of sheaves to it and applying the affine module-sheaf equivalence gives an exact sequence of global sections:These are exactly the sections on $V$ of the three direct image sheaves. Affine opens form a basis, and every section of the last sheaf on such a basis open lifts to the middle sheaf. This proves surjectivity as a sheaf morphism; left exactness of direct image supplies the other positions. Hence direct image preserves this short exact sequence. The crucial ingredient is exactness of sections of quasi-coherent sheaves on an affine intersection; arbitrary open immersions need not have this property.

For the cohomology comparison, every nonempty finite intersectionis affine. This follows by mathematical induction, intersecting the affine intersection already obtained with the next affine open. The restriction of $\mathcal{F}$ to it is quasi-coherent, so vanishing of quasi-coherent cohomology on an affine scheme givesWe now prove why this local vanishing gives the acyclic cover theorem, rather than identifying the two sorts of cohomology without a comparison.

Take a flasque resolution $0\to \mathcal{F}\to {\mathcal{I}}^0\to {\mathcal{I}}^1\to \cdots$. Here a flabby sheaf has surjective restriction maps; its restrictions to open subsets are still flabby and have zero higher sheaf cohomology. Form the double complexThe horizontal differential is the alternating restriction map $d_{\mathrm{C}}$; the vertical one $d_{\mathrm{I}}$ is induced by the resolution. They commute, so the total differential in bidegree $(p,q)$ is $d_{\mathrm{C}}+(-1{)}^p{d}_{\mathrm{I}}$ and has square zero. The Čech resolution on a semi-separated scheme uses precisely these intersections.

A flabby sheaf has zero positive Čech cohomology for a finite open cover, and its degree-zero Čech cohomology is its global sections. One way to establish this auxiliary fact is to use the exact augmented two-open complexExactness at the first two terms is the sheaf gluing axiom; the last map is onto because a section on the intersection extends to $V$. For the induction step, write $V$ for the union of all but the last open and $W$ for the last open. Separate Čech cochains according to whether their index list contains the last index. The resulting two-block complex compares the smaller cover of $V$ with its restricted cover of $V\cap W$, together with $\Gamma (W,\mathcal{I})$ in degree zero. By induction those two smaller cover complexes have cohomology only in degree zero, where they give $\Gamma (V,\mathcal{I})$ and $\Gamma (V\cap W,\mathcal{I})$. The displayed two-open exact sequence then gives zero positive-degree cohomology for the full cover. This proves the auxiliary fact by induction on the number of opens. Thus horizontal cohomology of $C^{\bullet ,q}$ consists only of $\Gamma (X,{\mathcal{I}}^q)$ in degree zero. Computing the cohomology of the total complex first horizontally therefore gives $H^n(X,\mathcal{F})$, by the resolution principle for sheaf cohomology.

On the other hand, vertical cohomology issince the restricted flasque resolutions compute cohomology on each intersection. The already established affine vanishing makes all rows with $q>0$ zero. The surviving row $q=0$ is exactly the Čech cochain complex ${\check{C}}^{\bullet }(\mathcal{U},\mathcal{F})$. Computing total cohomology first vertically therefore gives ${\check{H}}^n(\mathcal{U},\mathcal{F})$. These two computations are justified by the two filtrations of the first-quadrant double complex: in every total degree only finitely many terms occur, and the cover also bounds the horizontal degree. Their edge maps give the natural identificationFor negative degrees both groups are zero by convention. In particular, degree zero is the usual identification by the sheaf gluing axiom, not merely a comparison of dimensions.

A sheaf of modules $\mathcal{F}$ over ${\mathcal{O}}_X$ is quasi-coherent when locally it admits a presentationwith arbitrary indexing sets $I,J$. On an affine chart, sheafifying the corresponding module presentation and using exactness of localization identifies its cokernel with a sheaf $\tilde{N}$. Thus one may equivalently require that locally on affine charts $\mathcal{F}$ is associated with a module. This does not impose finite generation, which belongs to the stronger coherent condition.

On the affine variety $X$ with coordinate ring $A$, put $M=\Gamma (X,\mathcal{F})$. Refine local module charts to a finite principal open cover $X={\bigcup }_{j}D(g_j)$ such that $\mathcal{F}{|}_{D(g_j)}\cong {\tilde{N}}_j$ for an $A_{g_j}$-module $N_j$. This is possible because principal opens form an open basis and $X$ is quasi-compact. On the overlap $D(g_j{g}_k)$ the sections are the corresponding further localization of $N_j$ or $N_k$. The sheaf gluing axiom gives an equalizerwhere the last map is the difference of restrictions. For any $f\in A$, localize this sequence. Exactness of localization and commutation with finite products give exactly the equalizer for the cover $D(f)={\bigcup }_{j}D(f{g}_j)$. HenceThe isomorphisms are canonical and commute with all basic-open restrictions. Since the sections of $\tilde{M}$ on these opens are $M_f$, they identify the two sheaves:Conversely $\tilde{M}$ is quasi-coherent for every $A$-module $M$, since a free presentation of $M$ gives the required sheaf presentation. Also $\Gamma (X,\tilde{M})=M$, and module homomorphisms sheafify, while a sheaf morphism is determined on every $D(f)$ by the localization of its map on global sections. This proves the affine module-sheaf equivalence.

For a short exact sequence of quasi-coherent sheaves, the sequence of their stalks is exact. Under this equivalence the stalk at $x$ is the localization of the global-section module at ${\mathfrak{m}}_x$. Exactness of module sequences can be checked at all maximal ideals, by localization detects zero elements applied to their homology, so the global-section modules also form a short exact sequence. Therefore global sections are exact on quasi-coherent sheaves over an affine variety. This is stronger than the left exactness of the global section functor on arbitrary sheaves, and follows from localization, not from assuming the cohomology vanishing still to be proved.

For an open inclusion $j:U\hookrightarrow X$, the requested sheaf isRestriction gives $\mathcal{F}\to {}_U\mathcal{F}$. This direct image from an open restriction is not extension by zero: its stalks outside $U$ may be nonzero.

The locally vanishing principle for sheaf cohomology says that a class $\xi \in H^i(X,\mathcal{F})$, $i>0$, is killed on a suitable neighbourhood of every point. Under the stated hypothesis that basis opens and their finite intersections have zero cohomology in degrees $1,\dots ,i-1$, these neighbourhoods can be chosen in that basis so that the image of $\xi$ underis zero. In particular its restriction in $H^i(U,\mathcal{F}{|}_U)$ is zero. This is a statement about individual classes; it does not assert that every locally vanishing class is already globally zero.

Here is a noncircular proof of vanishing of quasi-coherent cohomology on an affine scheme, applied to the variety. Induct on $i>0$, simultaneously for every affine variety and quasi-coherent sheaf. Assume all lower positive degrees vanish. The principal-open basis is closed under finite intersections, so it satisfies the principle's hypothesis. Given $\xi \in H^i(X,\mathcal{F})$, choose a finite principal cover $\mathcal{U}=(D(f_j))$ on which it restricts to zero.

Applying the Čech cochain complex to a flasque resolution gives the Čech lifting below the first possible local cohomology degree comparison segment, under lower-degree vanishing on all intersectionsFor completeness, the double complex has terms ${\check{C}}^p(\mathcal{U},{\mathcal{I}}^q)$. Its augmented rows are exact because each ${\mathcal{I}}^q$ is flasque, so its total cohomology is the cohomology of global sections of the resolution. The vertical cohomology on intersections in degrees $0<q<i$ is zero. Equivalently, start with local primitives of a cocycle representing $\xi$, take their differences on pairwise overlaps, and solve successively for primitives of those differences in degrees $i-1,i-2,\dots ,1$. The last difference is a Čech $i$-cocycle with values in $\mathcal{F}$. This identifies the kernel of the restriction map with the displayed Čech group. No vanishing in degree $i$ on the intersections has been assumed.

It remains a module calculation. Write $\mathcal{F}=\tilde{M}$. The augmented Čech complex isSince the $D(f_j)$ cover $X$, the $f_j$ generate the unit ideal. This complex is exact. To see it algebraically, use alternating cochains, with repeated indices giving zero. For a cocycle $c$, choose $N$ large enough to clear every $f_j$-denominator in $f_j^N{c}_{jI}$, as well as the finitely many cocycle relations; vanishing criterion in a module localization allows a further power to clear relations which initially hold only after localization. Since the ideal $(f_j^N)$ is still the unit ideal, choose $a_j$ with ${\sum }_j{a}_j{f}_j^N=1$. Defineusing those cleared representatives in $M_{f_I}$. The cocycle identity gives $\delta b=({\sum }_j{a}_j{f}_j^N)c=c$. The same argument with the augmentation gives gluing and uniqueness in degree zero. This is exactness of the unit-ideal localization Čech complex.

Thus ${\check{H}}^i(\mathcal{U},\mathcal{F})=0$, so the class $\xi$, whose restrictions were zero, is zero. The induction starts at $i=1$, when the lower-degree condition is empty. We have proved

For the closed inclusion $f$, the direct image sheaf has stalk ${\mathcal{F}}_x$ at $x\in X$ and zero stalk at points outside $X$: outside the closed set there is an open neighbourhood disjoint from $X$. Hence $f_{\ast }$ is exact, since exact sequences of sheaves are detected on stalks.

Take a flasque resolution $\mathcal{F}\to {\mathcal{I}}^{\bullet }$. Direct image preserves flasqueness, because restrictions are the restrictions on inverse-image opens. Exactness makes $f_{\ast }{\mathcal{I}}^{\bullet }$ a flasque resolution of $f_{\ast }\mathcal{F}$. MoreoverThe complexes computing sheaf cohomology are identical. ThereforeThis is sheaf cohomology under a closed inclusion; the closedness hypothesis is used in the exactness of direct image.

First consider the preliminary cohomological facts. The exam's term flabby means flasque sheaf: every restriction map is surjective. For open sets $V\subseteq U$, lift a section of ${\mathcal{F}}_3(V)$ to ${\mathcal{F}}_2(V)$ using the given surjectivity when ${\mathcal{F}}_1$ is flasque. Extend that lift to $U$ using the flasque sheaf ${\mathcal{F}}_2$, then project to ${\mathcal{F}}_3(U)$. This proves that ${\mathcal{F}}_3$ is a flasque sheaf.

One construction of a flasque resolution starts with the sheaf ${\mathcal{C}}^0(\mathcal{F})(U)={\prod }_{P\in U}{\mathcal{F}}_P$, with pointwise restriction. It is a sheaf of abelian groups with surjective restrictions, and sending a section to all its germs embeds $\mathcal{F}$ in it. Repeating on the cokernels constructs an exact sequencewith each ${\mathcal{I}}^j$ flasque. Define sheaf cohomology by the cohomology of the cochain complex of global sections of such a resolution; the groups are independent of the chosen flasque resolution. If $\mathcal{F}$ is itself flasque, the quotient result just proved makes every successive cokernel flasque. Applying the assumed surjectivity of sections to each successive short exact sequence of sheaves proves exactness of the global-section complex in positive degrees. Thus $H^i(X,\mathcal{F})=0$ for $i>0$.

Now let $K=k(X)$ be the function field of the smooth algebraic curve. Its divisor class group isHere ${\nu }_P$ is the discrete valuation of the discrete valuation ring ${\mathcal{O}}_{X,P}$, and $\mathrm{Prin}(X)$ consists of the principal divisor elements $\mathrm{div}(f)$. These sums have finite support: on a finite affine cover, represent $f$ as a fraction of regular functions; each nonzero numerator or denominator has only finitely many zeros on a curve, since a proper closed subset of a Noetherian one-dimensional irreducible space is finite.

For a divisor on an algebraic curve $D={\sum }_P{n}_{P}P$, define the line bundle associated to a divisor byIn this expression the valuation condition applies to nonzero $f$. If $t_P$ is a uniformizer, the stalk is $t_P^{-n_P}{\mathcal{O}}_{X,P}$. Shrinking around $P$ removes all other zeros and poles of $t_P$ and all other points in the support of $D$, so this also gives an actual local generator. Thus ${\mathcal{O}}_X(D)$ is a locally free sheaf of rank one. Multiplication gives an isomorphismon every stalk. If $D=\mathrm{div}(g)$, then ${\mathcal{O}}_X(D)=g^{-1}{\mathcal{O}}_X$, so the construction factors through a homomorphism $\mathrm{Cl}(X)\to \mathrm{Pic}(X)$.

It is injective: if ${\mathcal{O}}_X(D)$ is trivial, an isomorphism from ${\mathcal{O}}_X$ supplies a nonzero global rational generator $h$. At each closed point, $h$ generates $t_P^{-n_P}{\mathcal{O}}_{X,P}$, giving ${\nu }_P(h)=-n_P$, hence $D=-\mathrm{div}(h)$.

It is surjective: take a line bundle $\mathcal{L}$ and a nonzero rational section $s$, obtained by choosing a frame on any nonempty trivializing open set. If $e_i$ is a local frame, write $s=f_i{e}_i$ with $f_i\in K^{\ast }$. Since changes of frame are units, ${\nu }_P(f_i)$ is independent of the frame near $P$. A finite trivializing cover shows that these numbers have finite support. Set $D={\sum }_P{\nu }_P(f_i)P$. The map $f\mapsto fs$ gives ${\mathcal{O}}_X(D)\cong \mathcal{L}$, because at $P$ the condition ${\nu }_P(f)+{\nu }_P(f_i)\ge 0$ is exactly regularity of $fs$. Replacing $s$ by $gs$ changes $D$ by $\mathrm{div}(g)$, so this construction is well defined on classes. This proves the divisor class group and Picard group of a smooth curve identification

The resolution principle for sheaf cohomology states that an exact sequencewith $H^q(X,{\mathcal{A}}^j)=0$ for every $q>0$ computes $H^i(X,\mathcal{F})$ as the cohomology of $\Gamma (X,{\mathcal{A}}^{\bullet })$. In particular one may use a flasque resolution.

An affine morphism $\varphi :X\to Y$ is one for which the inverse image of every affine open subset of $Y$ is affine. We use vanishing of quasi-coherent cohomology on an affine scheme: a quasi-coherent sheaf has zero higher sheaf cohomology on an affine variety. Take a flasque resolution $\mathcal{F}\to {\mathcal{I}}^{\bullet }$. Each direct image sheaf ${\varphi }_{\ast }{\mathcal{I}}^j$ is flasque, because restriction on $V\subseteq U\subseteq Y$ is restriction on ${\varphi }^{-1}V\subseteq {\varphi }^{-1}U$. On an affine open $U\subseteq Y$, the augmented complex of sections isIts positive-degree cohomology vanishes by the affine theorem, and its degree-zero kernel is $\Gamma ({\varphi }^{-1}U,\mathcal{F})$. Checking exactness on this affine basis shows that ${\varphi }_{\ast }{\mathcal{I}}^{\bullet }$ is a flasque resolution of ${\varphi }_{\ast }\mathcal{F}$. The global-section complexes are identical, proving cohomology under an affine morphism:

For projective space, put $S=k[x_0,\dots ,x_n]$ with its usual grading and $U_i=\{x_i\ne 0\}$. Construct the twisting sheaf on projective space by setting its sections on $U_i$ to be the degree-$m$ part $(S_{x_i}{)}_m$, viewed as a module over $(S_{x_i}{)}_0$. It is free of rank one with generator $x_i^m$, even when $m$ is negative. On overlaps the generators differ by the unit $(x_i/x_j{)}^m$, so these modules glue to a line bundle $\mathcal{O}(m)$.