Investigating the Impact of Large Lakes on Local Precipitation: Case Study of Lake Urmia, Iran

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

I reveiwed entitled "Investigating the Impact of Large Lakes on Local Precipitation: Case Study of Lake Urmia, Iran" for peer review. This paper likely explores the influence that large lakes, specifically Lake Urmia in Iran, have on local precipitation patterns. My comments are as follows:

Abstract

The statement in the abstract regarding the assumption that moisture from basin evaporation and agricultural activities is carried eastward by prevailing western winds, resulting in convection rains in higher elevations during summer, lacks clarity and could benefit from further explanation or contextualization. Clarifying the mechanism by which moisture is transported and how it contributes to precipitation patterns would enhance the understanding for readers unfamiliar with the topic

Introduction

The introduction provides a comprehensive overview of the impact of large lakes on local climate conditions, drawing examples from various regions across the globe. However, the transition between different examples could be smoother to enhance the flow of the narrative. Consider restructuring the paragraph to create a more cohesive connection between the examples, emphasizing the common theme of how changes in lake water levels influence local weather patterns. T

The introduction mentions that previous studies have not explored the impact of Lake Urmia's water level changes on local precipitation patterns. However, this could be articulated more directly to clearly outline the gap in the existing literature that the current study aims to address. Providing a clearer statement about the specific gap in knowledge will help readers understand the unique contribution of the research. Therefore, I would suggest refining the language to explicitly state the research gap related to the influence of Lake Urmia's water level changes on local precipitation patterns.

Figure 1: change basin to Basin

In my opinion sections 3.1.1 and 3.1.2 can be moved to Introduction. Method section only clearly state the data inputs, analysis and evaluation steps.

Line 200: Local precipitation was investigated by analyzing meteorological data collected from 200 two synoptic stations. I am not sure if two stations are enough for evaluations?

How about if you analyze soil moisture variations? 

4.2. Effect of Decreasing Lake Water Level on Fluctuations in Precipitation in the Basin

Unless authors estimate and evaluate the local evaporation variability in lake its difficult to articulate that lake water decline is affecting the precipitation... Authors should carefully evaluate the missing part of water balance components...I am not convienced by simple approaches and hypothesis authors states.

In my opinion approaches used by authors are very simplified. It is demanded to use more complex methods and analysis work considering data driven, physical based with the help of more data sources on complete water balance otherwise atleast P-ET-R and soil moisture to clearly evaluate how these components effects the lake water level. 

Minor editing of English language required

Author Response

Dear Reviewer,

Kindly find the attached file for your review.

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Reviewer 2 Report

The authors conducted and interesting study of the lake local effects and interrelationships with the antropogenic activity and local climate conditions. The two stations with the local and global climate influences were selected and the weather condition patterns and meteorological trends were identified.

I think it would be beneficial for the paper if the authors pays more attention to the Aral Sea disaster which was completely from the antropogenic origins.

Mainly, the statement "The decreasing water level indicates the imbalance between precipitation and evaporation in the basin" is different from the monitoring results presented on Fig 1 where it is clear that the irrigation activity is the main cause, and droughts and climate change are only the secondary factors. The later discussion highlights irrigation as the main source, however, the impact of other sources such as droughts and climate changes is not properly explored or estimated.

It would be good to see not only the VP comparison but also the VPD graphs as the main precursor for evapotranspiration and potential evapotranspiration serving as the climate aridity flag.

Kind regards,

Author Response

Dear Reviewer,

Kindly find the attached file for your review.

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Round 2

Reviewer 1 Report

Authors have made necessary corrections and manuscript can be accepted in current form

Minor editing of English language required