Effects of Weir Operation on Seasonal Groundwater Use: A Case Study of the Han River, South Korea

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

The manuscript " Effects of weir operation on seasonal groundwater use: A case study of the Han River, South Korea" has positive significance for Utilization of groundwater resources. The structure of the manuscript is relatively complete, and there are no obvious problems with the use of English. In this paper, Visual Mod-flow is used to study the changes of groundwater caused by seasonal pumping and weir opening.The research is interesting, but there are several points that needed to be clearly explained, which are as follows:

1. Pictures need to supplement legends, Pointers and other elements.
2. Need to specify the reasons and basis for parameter selection(Lines 150-157).
3. Capture model images inside Visual MODFLOW. So that the reader can understand the model better.
4. Explain the grid division process and the surface elevation acquisition process in more detail.
5. Show some bore hole columnar section to better explain how to set formation elevation.
6. Explain the reasonableness of setting General head boundaries.

7,The Visual MODFLOW can easily view the section of the model, and the combination of plan and section can help readers better understand the article.

8. The model established 819 pumping Wells, a large number of pumping Wells often lead to complex groundwater levels. Please explain the drawing process of Figures 5 and 6.
9. Conclusions that may change groundwater quality are not supported(Lines 341).

 

Author Response

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Author Response File: Author Response.docx

Reviewer 2 Report

Dear Authors,

Comments and suggestions are in the attached pdf.

Best

Comments for author File: Comments.pdf

Author Response

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Author Response File: Author Response.docx

Reviewer 3 Report

 

This is a solid paper although I suspect of somewhat limited interest.  I’d suggest minor revisions.

1. The “study area” should be the identical shape on Figures 1, 3 as that on 4, 5, 6, 9 (There are two figures labeled “Figure 9” by the way).

 

2. The difference between the “centrifugal” and the “underwater” pumps, as used here, needs to be explained. Are these both of the flexible-impellor type? I assume that one is used submerged in the well and the other pulls water up from the land surface.  Specs?

 

3. MAR (line 355) is raised, for the first time, in the conclusions, but not discussed in the text. Same for the “thermal effect” line 351.  These should be explained earlier in the text.

 

4. What is “the method”? (line 151)

I was a little disappointed in the conclusions.  The qualitative trends “concluded” are something that you probably didn’t need a model to reach.  I’d like to see more quantification in the conclusions; it’s the magnitude of the changes in the context of the demand that is important, not the trends.  There needs to be a discussion of evidence that such changes are really a problem.  Are the reductions important or just a minor inconvenience?

 

 

 

Author Response

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Author Response File: Author Response.docx

Round 2

Reviewer 1 Report

The manuscript "Effects of weir operation on seasonal groundwater use: A Case Study of the Han River, South Korea" has been significantly improved after modification. Using Visual MODFLOW for research is a common method in hydrogeology field, which has certain publication value.

Author Response

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Author Response File: Author Response.docx

Reviewer 2 Report

Dear authors,

I can see that you have corrected the manuscript according to the suggestions. I have two additional comments.

One is related to the high transmissivity (line 129). I can`t check because it says that the document is in Korean language. Do you or authors which you citate think that this is in general high transmissivity or it has been defined as high transmissivity in your research area? Please explain in more detail.

Second one is related to the Figure 3b. When you are showing spatial distribution of some parameter (in this case hydraulic conductivity), I suggest to put the numbers also in the Figure.

Best regards

Author Response

Please see the attached file.

Author Response File: Author Response.docx