VMS Help FORTRAN, Data, Variables  *Conan The Librarian (sorry for the slow response - running on an old VAX)

  A variable is represented by a symbolic name that is associated
  with a storage location.  The value of the variable is the value
  currently stored in that location; the value can be changed by
  assigning a new value to the variable.

  Variables, like constants, are classified by data type.  When data
  of any type is assigned to a variable, it is converted, if
  necessary, to the data type of the variable.  You can establish the
  data type of a variable by type declaration statements, IMPLICIT
  statements, or predefined typing rules.

  Additional Information (explode) :

• Implication
• Specification