The authors have thoughtfully replied to the review comments. It is not entirely clear to me that the changes to the manuscript, which should follow these responses, will yield a satisfactory revision, though the detailed responses indicate that an improved manuscript will be the result. The significant concern raised by the reviewers regarding interpretation of C:N ratios is perhaps the greatest challenge for the authors and exactly how the manuscript evolves will likely dictate the fate of the manuscript. Again, my sense is that the authors have carefully considered the advice of the reviewers and the revision will have taken that into account.

My evaluation is that the authors should indeed proceed with submitting a revision, and that they should expect a second round of review (which, I anticipate would be shorter than the original). Hence, given the review process at HESS right now, I have rated 'reconsider after major revisions', not because I have detailed additional revision requirements, but because the revisions indicated by the reviewers are major and require extensive attention. The authors may well have already made revisions to the manuscript. In any event, it will be sent out for review, shortly after it is received.

Thank you for the careful attention to detail in responding to the reviewers' comments.