Analysis of Near-Surface Temperature Lapse Rates in Mountain Ecosystems of Northern Mexico Using Landsat-8 Satellite Images and ECOSTRESS
, José Ciro Hernández-DÃaz 2, Christian Wehenkel 2 and Daniel José Vega-Nieva 3Round 1
Reviewer 1 Report
Overview
This study presents an approach to model near surface temperature lapse rate based on normalized land surface temperature data and determine the seasonal temperature variation due to change in aspect, Local solar zenith angle (LSZA) and Evaporative Stress Index (ESI), using Landsat-8 LST and ECOSTRESS ESI data
This manuscript is a complete analysis, however, if we exclude that no previous study has analyzed NSTLR in the study area, the contribution of this work is not well justified. The study is based mostly on Firozjaei, Fathololoumi, Alavipanah, Kiavarz, Vaezi and Biswas methodology approach (Firozjaei, M.K.; Fathololoumi, S.; Alavipanah, S.K.; Kiavarz, M.; Vaezi, A.R.; Biswas, A. A new approach for modeling near surface temperature lapse rate based on normalized land surface temperature data. Remote Sensing of Environment 2020, 242, 111746, doi:10.1016/j.rse.2020.111746.)
Specific Comments:
Keywords are replicated in the title
Line 132 Quality assessment band (BQA)
Table 1 6th column 2019/03/12 is the date right?
Line 181: what auxiliary products. Please describe shortly
Line 184: Why did you choose these dates. Please justify shortly
Line 199: I would suggest to use equation to present the linear models you developed in this study
Line 200: What align function, which resampling method, and what software? Please refer what was the final resolution.
Line 215: What was the final accuracy of developed RF model?
Table 2. What does Q represent. The table caption is not fully describing the table contents.
Table 3. please refer the model. What do the gaps mean? The table caption is not descriptive
In the discussion section, the results of the present research are confirmed by other similar studies on mountainous areas. So, what is the original contribution of this study?
Author Response
Dear Reviewer
On behalf of my co-authors, I am pleased to send you the revised version of the manuscript entitled "Temperature Lapse Analysis in Mountain Ecosystems of Northern Mexico using Landsat-8 and ECOSTRESS satellite images."
All changes made to the manuscript were highlighted (marked in blue) in the revised version.
Below are the answers to the suggestions that need an answer. The rest of the suggestions have been fully taken into account. Suggestions are displayed in a normal font style, and responses are displayed in blue.
Sincerely,
Dr. Pablito Marcelo López Serrano
(Corresponding author)
Author Response File: 
Author Response.pdf
Reviewer 2 Report
It is true that mountainous regions of the world are experiencing additional stress from increasing human activities as a result various impacts are visible but the impact differs from region to region. This study utilised a few factors to demonstrate how NSTLR varies. I have outlined some comments to improve international readership and significance of the current version of this work.
[1] I would suggest to dedicate a paragraph, explaining how human activities are degrading mountain ecosystems and fostering climate change. For example, you can refer to some works from the Himalayan contexts and other mountain systems to demonstrate this idea. Then you can easily link up how changes in mountains could drive change in climatic system such as NSTLR. Following works could be of help. Also, you can relate your work with LULC changes due to human activities, doing so will show the relevance of your work as well as improve international readership. AT present this is missing in your intro part rather talking only NSTLR and some examples are from Mexico
https://doi.org/10.1029/2020JG005751; https://doi.org/10.1007/s00704-019-02985-8; https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1914898117
[2] Line 50: is NTLR different from NSTLR?
[3] Line 98: Since you did not review all related works, you can not say that ‘NO’ study rather to be in safe side you can say ‘very little is done in this space to study …’
[4] Line 133-134: this is good indicating why bad pixels should be removed. To reinforce this observation and to convince international readers, I’d suggest referring works from other sensor such as MODIS. The data from this sensor is delivered using a variety of methods including removal of bad pixels, this could be useful https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apgeog.2021.102533. Hence usefulness is demonstrated which is usually ignored in remote sensing works. Line 136 change ‘utilised’ to ‘Landsat’. Did you do any normalisation of data since winter and summer periods have been used (Table 1)
[5] Line 179: Which sensor the products was derived? Must clarify this adequately to show readers details
[6] Discussion section is poor. This section needs significant improvement whereby you have the opportunity to relate your findings with theory, if there are any similarities or dissimilarities you are argue causes of similarity and dissimilarities. Use of works listed above may be a good reasoning here.
Author Response
Dear reviewer
On behalf of my co-authors, I am pleased to send you the revised version of the manuscript entitled "Temperature Lapse Analysis in Mountain Ecosystems of Northern Mexico using Landsat-8 and ECOSTRESS satellite images."
All changes made to the manuscript were highlighted (marked in blue) in the revised version.
Below are the answers to the suggestions that need an answer. The rest of the suggestions have been fully taken into account. Suggestions are displayed in a normal font style, and responses are displayed in blue.
Sincerely,
Dr. Pablito Marcelo López Serrano
(Corresponding author)
Author Response File: Author Response.pdf
Reviewer 3 Report
Dear Authors,
I have reviewed the paper titled: “Analysis of near-surface temperature lapse rates in mountain ecosystems of northern Mexico using Landsat-8 satellite images and ECOSTRESS”. In my opinion, the aims of the paper are germane with “Remote Sensing” journal topics, the paper fits with the international scientific standards, even if I have some little doubts. The paper is written with an appropriate English level. The contribution of this paper to the scientific knowledge is acceptable due to some little flaws present. I understand the difficult work done, but as a reviewer it is my duty to highlight the gaps in order to improve the research approach and its presentation to the international scientific community. Please I suggest revising the paper following the comments reported in the pdf attached, in order to further improve this interesting work.
Comments for author File: Comments.pdf
Author Response
Dear reviewer
On behalf of my co-authors, I am pleased to send you the revised version of the manuscript entitled "Temperature Lapse Analysis in Mountain Ecosystems of Northern Mexico using Landsat-8 and ECOSTRESS satellite images."
All changes made to the manuscript were highlighted (marked in blue) in the revised version.
Below are the answers to the suggestions that need an answer. The rest of the suggestions have been fully taken into account. Suggestions are displayed in a normal font style, and responses are displayed in blue.
Sincerely,
Dr. Pablito Marcelo López Serrano
(Corresponding author)
Author Response File: 
Author Response.docx
Round 2
Reviewer 2 Report
Thanks for the improvement and clarification of original submission
