Water characteristic curves and water status indicator

This paper attempts to introduce specific analytical meanings for the frequently used terms l, water stress" (Falkenmark 1992, Vorosmarty et al. 2000, 2005) and "water strain" (Haddadin 2007) by drawing an analogy from the science of engineering mechanics. It introduces "water characteristic curves" and a "water modulus" that defines the status of indigenous water of a given country. Compared to other tools that have been introduced to reflect the "water footprint" of a country (Hoekstra and Chapagain 2009), the water modulus is different in approach and meaning and is more reflective of the adequacy of indigenous water resources of countries.