Decoupling of Ecological and Hydrological Drought Conditions in the Limpopo River Basin Inferred from Groundwater Storage and NDVI Anomalies
Round 1
Reviewer 1 Report
Dear All,
I have attched the manuscript with the comments on it.
Best wishes
Comments for author File: 
Comments.pdf
Author Response
Thank you! Please see the attached PDF. The referred lines correspond to the v2.5 (tracked changes).
Author Response File: Author Response.pdf
Reviewer 2 Report
1- In the Data collection section from In situ Datasets and remote sensing, for groundwater level dataset it is stated that the data used from borehole sites and GRACE TWSA. How did you combine and verify the data of these two data sources? From which source of data is the used for the anomaly of groundwater storage? borehole, GRACE TWSA or combination both?
2- Given that all variables (NDVI, precipitation, SM, Q, etc.) share the same unit and are expressed as anomalies, comparing their trends is straightforward. Therefore, it is recommended to plot the time series of anomalies for all variables in two graphs—one for monthly data and the other for the growing season. By doing so, it becomes convenient to visualize and compare the trend changes of all variables simultaneously.
3- In the region's description, it has been mentioned that there are 4 climate regions. Instead of providing numerous explanations in the discussion section, which could potentially mislead readers due to the extensive volume of trend comparisons and possible correlations between variables, a more organized approach is recommended. To facilitate clarity and understanding, it is suggested to create separate tables for each of the 4 climate regions. In each table, the changes in the NDVI and groundwater trends can be expressed along with other variables. Additionally, a column titled "Explanation" can be included to specify whether correlations exist or not between the variables. This tabular presentation will allow for a more structured and concise representation of the data.
Author Response
Thank you so much. I have my comments attached in the PDF document. The line numbers correspond to the tracked changes version of the manuscript.
Author Response File: Author Response.pdf
Reviewer 3 Report
Editor-in-Chief
hydrology
# hydrology-2527389
Manuscript Title: Decoupling of Ecological and Hydrological Drought Conditions in the Limpopo River Basin Inferred from Groundwater Storage and NDVI Anomalies
The following queries have arisen through reviewing the manuscript. Moreover, I believe that the manuscript is well organized. There are some comments that can improve the strength of the paper. Therefore, a MINOR revision is recommended for the manuscript. Details of the comments are as follows:
Introduction:
- Precipitation changes may have a dual role on river flow and vegetation characteristics in different time scales. In other words, precipitation changes in different time scales may simultaneously cause changes in flow characteristics and, on the other hand, cause vegetation changes. Even the occurrence of heavy rains may not improve the vegetation and leave the drainage basin with a quick response. In the introduction section, adding some explanations on the the simultaneous impact of precipitation changes on meteorological, hydrological and vegetation drought could help.
Study area:
- It is better to provide some description on the type of water use in the study area, cultivation pattern, dominant agricultural crops and vegetation types, … in the study area section.
- Mention if there are human impacts (abstraction) or structures such as dams (reservoirs) in the study area that may affect the river flow regime.
- Does precipitation occur in the area as snow? Explain.
Research Methodology:
Provide explanations regarding the evaluation of the accuracy of the maps used.
Results and discussion:
Discuss or make suggestions regarding the ability to study in different seasons or months based on the data used.
It is necessary to provide additional interpretations for the internal dependency of the variables affecting the flow.
Provide more explanation regarding the time delay between rainfall and base/underground flow contribution and its effect on the results.
Conclusions:
- The limitations of the research should be mentioned in the conclusion section.
- Suggest an approach to separate the effects of the studied factors on the changes in the river flow in the future.
The END
Author Response
Thank you so much. I have your comments addressed in the attached PDF document. The lines refer to the tracked changes version, but I will upload the clean version as well (all citations edited and formatted).
Author Response File: Author Response.pdf
Round 2
Reviewer 1 Report
Dear All,
The manuscript has been improved. It might be accepted.
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