Parameters that control the characteristics of database storage area files. You can specify most storage area parameters for either single-file or multifile databases, but the effect of the clauses differs. o For single-file databases, the storage area parameters specify the characteristics for the single storage area in the database. o For multifile databases, the storage area parameters specify a set of default values for any storage areas created by the CREATE DATABASE statement that do not specify their own values for the same parameters. The default values apply to the RDB$SYSTEM storage area, plus any others named in CREATE STORAGE AREA database elements. The CREATE STORAGE AREA clauses in a CREATE DATABASE statement can override these default values. The default values do not apply to any storage areas created later with the ALTER DATABASE statement.