The load of each scenario is multiplied by our estimate of the number of users who are likely to submit similar data requests to derive the total load. Section 2.3 has a similar load estimate for a scenario involving a bio-geochemical problem over the Atlantic. This is scenario 19 from the HAIS collection. Finally, Section 2.4 summarizes the figures detailed in the earlier sections. For this purpose, a scenario is taken to be a description of a miniature system.
Scenarios involve transformations of data, external interfaces to data, and local storage of data.
Thus, our approach is to use standard tools, data flow models and entity-relationship models to describe scenarios. These are recognized techniques in modeling information systems. This is a succinct and logically rigorous way to describe the selection of data and the processing of data. This technique has been used extensively in our analysis of the HAIS scenarios, which is detailed in Appendix 4. These scenarios are based on current research by Earth scientists in the Project Sequoia 2000 project at several University of California campuses.