Multi-Scenario Simulation of Land Use Change and Ecosystem Service Value in the Middle Reaches of Yangtze River Urban Agglomeration

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

This paper is about the application of a model to simulate the land use for different scenarios at the Yangtze River urban agglomeration, calculating the ecosystem service values (ESV) and analyzing the contribution of different drivers to each land type. Τhe purpose of such an application is to “provide some help in the optimization of the spatial distribution pattern of land use in large regional urban agglomerations strategically.” (line 24).

Although the subject is interesting the contribution of the paper is unclear. As it is stated “the findings will contribute toward establishing a foundation for the improvement of the spatial pattern of land use at the national level and ecological protection policies of the MRYRUA.” However, the conclusion derived are quite general and largely self-evident, e.g.:

“…urbanization has been destructive to the ecological environment.” (l. 329).

“The simulation results of the nature conservation scenario show that the designation of nature reserves and the establishment of land protection policies are effective in enhancing ESV.” (l. 499-500)

The results consists mainly of a simple description of the data presented in the tables with no depth of analysis or synthetic conclusions that can be linked to land-use policy issues at the regional level.

The explanation of the issues observed remains limited, while at certain points it refers to the methodological choices of the scenarios e.g. l. 474.

It would be very useful for the international audience to enrich the methodology of the article with specific policy scenarios, based on objective settings, and link the results to possible policy directions as in lines 510-515.

Author Response

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Reviewer 2 Report

The authors presented a multi-scenario simulation of land use change and ESV using a PLUS simulation model. The paper is well written, however there are some issues that should be addressed.

1. A workflow of the methodology would greatly improve the paper

2. The introduction to the "PLUS" model should be improved, as it is not clear how exactly it is structured, what is its' architecture or how it works. The authors just noted that it is a synthesis of CARS, LEAS, CA, and multi-objective optimization algorithm (unknown type at that).

3. It is not clear exactly if the "PLUS" model is proposed in the paper or is an existing model tailored to this study.  The original model should be cited in introduction and any specific changes should be clearly designated.

4. As differences in figures 4 and 7 are hard to see at such scale, I would recommend adding a zoom-in such as was made in figure 3.

Author Response

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Reviewer 3 Report

The purpose of this article is to understand the ESV evolution process, characteristics and future trends through land use change models to achieve scientific use of land space and optimize the regional development pattern. This paper is interesting and necessary. However, the authors need to do much more to improve the paper and make a good scientific story. Kindly, see below for detailed comments:

1 In the abstract, the research results should be introduced in detail.

2 Materials and Methods, the environmental characteristics and relevant policies should be introduced in detail.

3 Figure 6, the name is wrong.

4 The Conclusion was too long, please highlighting the significance and guiding role of this study.

Author Response

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Author Response File: Author Response.docx

Round 2

Reviewer 1 Report

The manuscript has been improved adequately.