Articles | Volume 29, issue 4
https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-29-1033-2025
© Author(s) 2025. This work is distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Runoff component quantification and future streamflow projection in a large mountainous basin based on a multidata-constrained cryospheric–hydrological model
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- Final revised paper (published on 27 Feb 2025)
- Supplement to the final revised paper
- Preprint (discussion started on 11 Jul 2024)
- Supplement to the preprint
Interactive discussion
Status: closed
Comment types: AC – author | RC – referee | CC – community | EC – editor | CEC – chief editor
| : Report abuse
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RC1: 'Comment on egusphere-2024-1464', Anonymous Referee #1, 09 Aug 2024
- AC1: 'Reply on RC1', Mengjiao Zhang, 09 Oct 2024
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RC2: 'Comment on egusphere-2024-1464', Anonymous Referee #2, 29 Sep 2024
- AC2: 'Reply on RC2', Mengjiao Zhang, 09 Oct 2024
Peer review completion
AR – Author's response | RR – Referee report | ED – Editor decision | EF – Editorial file upload
ED: Reconsider after major revisions (further review by editor and referees) (21 Oct 2024) by Roberto Greco
AR by Mengjiao Zhang on behalf of the Authors (22 Nov 2024)
Author's response
Author's tracked changes
Manuscript
ED: Referee Nomination & Report Request started (28 Nov 2024) by Roberto Greco
RR by Anonymous Referee #2 (19 Dec 2024)
RR by Anonymous Referee #1 (02 Jan 2025)
ED: Publish as is (07 Jan 2025) by Roberto Greco
AR by Mengjiao Zhang on behalf of the Authors (08 Jan 2025)
I appreciate the opportunity to review the manuscript, entitled "Runoff component quantification and future streamflow projection in a large mountainous basin based on a multidata-constrained cryospheric-hydrological model." The topic of this study is of great importance not only to the earth and environmental science community but also to policymakers and practitioners such as hydropower companies and water resource managers. This study presents an attempt to systematically analyze streamflow variations and runoff components in the Yarlung Tsangpo River (YTR) basin using a physically-based hydrological model validated by streamflow and multiple datasets related to cryospheric processes. Despite some limitations, the proposed method is capable of reconstructing the sediment yield over the past decades with satisfactory performance.
Overall, I like the study and would recommend a moderate revision before publication. Below are my major and specific comments.
Major Comments
Comment 1: Model Validation and Result Presentation
Based on the modeling scheme, model validation should target multiple hydrological processes, including streamflow, snow, and glaciers. The authors used multiple datasets to validate the model, which is commendable. However, in the results section, the authors seem to focus primarily on streamflow validation. It is suggested that the authors provide a more detailed presentation of the validation results for snow water equivalent (SWE), snow cover area (SCA), and glacier mass balance (GMB) to comprehensively evaluate the model's performance.
Comment 2: Simulation of Extreme Events
Typically, extreme hydrological events contribute significantly to annual runoff and can have severe socio-economic impacts. However, daily-scale models often underestimate these extreme events. Have the authors considered the model's performance in simulating extreme events? If there is underestimation, can the model structure or parameterization be improved to enhance simulation accuracy?
Comment 3: Uncertainty Analysis in Future Projections
The authors used data from 10 CMIP6 global climate models for future projections, which is a robust approach. However, significant differences may exist between different climate models. It is recommended that the authors provide a more detailed analysis of these inter-model differences and discuss how they affect the uncertainty in future streamflow projections.
Comment 4: Focusing on the different time periods
The authors adopt different time periods in different parts, which makes me really confused. For example, 1980-2018 is used for model calibration and validation, 1960-2020 is used for the historical trend analysis, 1960-2014 is the historical period of CMIP6 (L202), and 1980-2009 was used as the baseline of historical simulation. I suggest authors to summarize the different time period adopted in different analyses, and clarify the reason why different time periods are adopted.
Specific Comments
Additionally there are several very minor issues that need to be addressed:
Overall, this study addresses an important topic with significant implications for understanding hydrological processes in the Tibetan Plateau. The use of multiple datasets to constrain the model is commendable. However, there are areas where the analysis and presentation could be improved. I hope these comments will be helpful in revising and strengthening the manuscript.