Analyzing the Factors Driving the Changes of Ecosystem Service Value in the Liangzi Lake Basin—A GeoDetector-Based Application

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

This paper aims toit is crucial to emphasize the alterations in land utilization methods and their consequent impacts on the valuation of ecosystem services (ESV), along with a comprehensive understanding of the underlying driving mechanisms.The subject of the work corresponds to the subject of the journal and can be considered relevant. The work is written in good language, satisfactorily structured, the material is presented consistently and logically. The work is provided with an adequate list of references. My question is as follows:

1. the abstract is too long and could be simplified

2. the literature review section of the introduction is not generalized enough

3. the introduction section needs to state the theoretical or policy implications of the paper

4. what is the accuracy of the remote sensing image data used by the authors?

Comments on the Quality of English Language

Moderate editing of English language required

Author Response

Dear Reviewer
    Thank you very much for your comments and professional advice. Based on your suggestions and requests, we have corrected the revised manuscript, and I thank you for the help you have provided, which has brought me one step closer on my research journey.

    Best regards,

Author Response File: Author Response.docx

Reviewer 2 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

The article evaluates the evolution of ecosystem service value and its drivers in Liangzi Lake Basin. While the article contains valuable information, there are a few areas that could be improved.

First, the introduction could benefit from a stronger literature review. Although the paper discusses the development history of ecosystem service value measurement, it would be beneficial to comprehensively review a larger number of articles that use methods such as geo-detectors to measure ecosystem service value and analyze its influencing factors. Additionally, given that this is an international journal, it is important to explain the international significance of the research on this region of China.

Second, further elaboration is needed to explain the innovative value of the methodology and indicator system of this study compared to established literature.

Third, the discussion and conclusion of the paper could be expanded to provide more valuable insights. It is suggested to review existing studies and elaborate on the important findings of this paper, as well as analyze the background of socio-economic development behind the driving factors, in order to provide more targeted policy recommendations.

Best regards

Author Response

Dear Reviewer
    Thank you very much for your comments and professional advice. Based on your suggestions and requests, we have corrected the revised manuscript, and I thank you for the help you have provided, which has brought me one step closer on my research journey.

    Best regards,

Author Response File: Author Response.docx

Reviewer 3 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

 

• • Dear authors,

  This is a well-crafted study, but it either needs to change its objectives or modify its methodological approach.

  • Clear and Concise Summary.

   

  • Introduction

  The first time the term "ecosystem services" is mentioned, the acronym should be introduced in parentheses. In Figure 1, the color scale used should be changed to a CPT color palette, which is commonly used in topographic maps. In the legend, the elevation unit should be in meters above sea level (masl). Otherwise, this is a brief introduction that contextualizes the research situation with clear objectives.

   

  • Methodology

  -In a territorial context centered around bodies of water, it may be too limited to assess the state of ecosystem services without evaluating the quality of these water bodies.

  -There is a typographical error in the spelling of "Costanza" in line 135.

  -Then there is also the fact that not all crop types have the same impact on the quality of the ecosystem service. Perhaps this category could be disaggregated into several sub-types. Finally, the landscape dimension is not addressed, although it undoubtedly plays an important role.

  Examples to consider:

  Metzger, J. P., Villarreal-Rosas, J., Suárez-Castro, A. F., López-Cubillos, S., González-Chaves, A., Runting, R. K., ... & Rhodes, J. R. (2021). Considering landscape-level processes in ecosystem service assessments. Science of The Total Environment, 796, 149028.

  Hallouin, T., Bruen, M., Christie, M., Bullock, C., & Kelly-Quinn, M. (2018). Challenges in using hydrology and water quality models for assessing freshwater ecosystem services: a review. Geosciences, 8(2), 45.

  • Results

  -There needs to be certainty in statements such as "From 2010 to 2020, there was a substantial and accelerating expansion of construction land in the area, which is likely attributable to the urbanization process." The analysis of the observed results may need to be complemented by fieldwork (lines 195-196). The figures and tables are appropriate and support the interpretation of the results.

  • Conclusion

   

  It is a well-crafted work, but its methodology lacks the necessary complexity to comprehensively evaluate ecosystem services. Therefore, either the title and objectives should be changed, or it is not being a rigorous work from my perspective.

 

Author Response

Dear Reviewer
    Thank you very much for your comments and professional advice. Based on your suggestions and requests, we have corrected the revised manuscript, and I thank you for the help you have provided, which has brought me one step closer on my research journey.

    Best regards,

Author Response File: Author Response.docx

Round 2

Reviewer 2 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

Congratulations! I believe this article has been fully revised and meets the requirements for publication. Please check the formality and clarity of the images before publishing.

Reviewer 3 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

The article has improved in all the ways that were suggested, the title change is much more accurate with the scientific scope of the article. I appreciate the work done by the authors.