Gaussian maps on trigonal curves

Abstract

In this paper we study higher even Gaussian maps of the canonical bundle for cyclic trigonal curves. More precisely, we study suitable restrictions of these maps determining a lower bound for the rank, and more generally, a lower bound for the rank for the general trigonal curve. We also manage to give the explicit description of the kernel of the second Gaussian map. Finally, we use these results to show the non existence of "extra" asymptotic directions for cyclic trigonal curves in some spaces generated by higher Schiffer variations.