On the divisor class group of Rees-algebras (Q2266740)

Let \(I\) be an ideal of height \(g\) in a Noetherian domain \(R\), and assume that the associated graded ring \(R/I\oplus I/I^2\oplus\ldots\) is a domain. Let \(S\) be the Rees algebra \(R[It]\), \(t\) an indeterminate. Let \(\text{CL}(S)\) and \(\text{CL}(R)\) be the class groups of \(S\) and \(R\). If \(J\) is a divisorial ideal in \(R\) or \(S\), \([J]\) will be its class. The main result of this paper shows the following. (i) If \(g=1\), then \(\text{CL}(R)\) and \(\text{CL}(S)\) are isomorphic. (ii) If \(g\geq 2\), there is an exact sequence \(0\to \mathbb Z\cdot [IS]\to \text{CL}(S)\to \text{CL}(R)\to 0,\) and \([IS]\) has infinite order \((\mathbb Z\) is the integers). If \(R\) is factorial, or \(I\) is generically a complete intersection, then \(\text{CL}(S)\simeq \text{CL}(R)\oplus \mathbb Z\cdot [IS]\). (iii) Let \([\omega_S]\) be the canonical class of \(S\). Suppose \(R\) is an epimorphic image of a regular local ring. If \(g\geq 2\), also suppose \(R\) is factorial or \(I\) is generically a complete intersection. Then \([\omega_S] = [\omega_R]-(g-2)\cdot [IS]\). (iv) If \(R\) is a local Gorenstein ring, and \(I\) is generically a complete intersection, then \(\omega_S\simeq (1,t)^{-1}\).