Smooth algebraic surface

A smooth algebraic surface is a two-dimensional smooth variety. Its local rings are regular, and its integral curves define Cartier divisors.

For an integral curve $C$ on a smooth projective surface, $2p_a(C)-2=C\cdot (C+K_X)$. Apply Riemann–Roch theorem for algebraic surfaces to the divisor restriction exact sequence $0\to {\mathcal{O}}_X(-C)\to {\mathcal{O}}_X\to {\mathcal{O}}_C\to 0$ to derive it. This arithmetic version applies also to singular curves and in arbitrary characteristic.

A smooth projective surface is a two-dimensional smooth variety admitting a closed embedding in projective space. Its integral curves are Cartier divisors, and their intersections, arithmetic adjunction and point blowups control its birational geometry.

A smooth rational curve with self-intersection $-1$ on a smooth projective surface over an algebraically closed field contracts to a smooth point of another smooth projective surface. The contraction is a birational morphism and an isomorphism off the curve, with inverse a blowup of a smooth algebraic surface. This algebraic criterion is valid in arbitrary characteristic and should not be confused with Castelnuovo's rationality criterion.