class of rational surfaces with a non-rational singularity explicitly given by a single equation

The family of algebraic surfaces X dened by the single equation zn = (y a1x) (y anx)(x 1) over an algebraically closed eld k of characteristic zero, where a1; : : : ; an 2 k are distinct, is studied. It is shown that this is a rational surface with a non-rational singularity at the origin. The ideal class group of the surface is computed. The terms of the Chase-Harrison-Rosenberg seven term exact sequence on the open complement of the ramication locus of X ! A2 are computed; the Brauer group is also studied in this unramied setting. The analysis is extended to the surface eX obtained by blowing up X at the origin. The interplay between properties of eX , determined in part by the exceptional curve E lying over the origin, and the properties of X is explored. In particular, the implications that these properties have on the Picard group of the surface X are studied.