We classify linearly normal surfaces $S \subset \mathbf{P}^{r+1}$ of degree $d$ such that $4g-4 \leq d \leq 4g+4$, where $g>1$ is the sectional genus (it is a classical result that for larger $d$ there are only cones). We apply this to the study of the extension theory of pluricanonical curves and genus $3$ curves, whenever they verify Property $N_2$, using and slightly expanding the theory of integration of ribbons of the authors and E.~Sernesi. We compute the corank of the relevant Gaussian maps, and we show that all ribbons over such curves are integrable, and thus there exists a universal extension.
We carry out a similar program for linearly normal hyperelliptic curves of degree $d\geq 2g+3$. We classify surfaces having such a curve $C$ as a hyperplane section, compute the corank of the relevant Gaussian maps, and prove that all ribbons over $C$ are integrable if and only if $d=2g+3$. In the latter case we obtain the existence of a universal extension.

Comment: v2: various complements with respect to v1; v3: correction in the statement of Hartshorne's Theorem 2.5: v4: final version

• 14C20 - Divisors, linear systems, invertible sheaves
• 14D20 - Algebraic moduli problems, moduli of vector bundles
• 14J25 - Special surfaces