Finite abelian groups acting on rationally connected threefolds II: groups of K3 type

Abstract

We study finite abelian groups acting on three-dimensional rationally connected varieties. We concentrate on the groups of K3 type, that is, abelian extensions by a cyclic group of groups that faithfully act on a K3 surface. In particular, if a finite abelian group faithfully acts on a threefold preserving a K3 surface (with at worst du Val singularities), then such a group is of K3 type. We prove a classification theorem for the groups of K3 type which can act on three-dimensional rationally connected varieties. We note the relation between certain groups of K3 type and K3 surfaces with higher Picard number.