Assessment of Land Cover Changes and an Exploration of the Sustainability Key Factors at Al-Ahsa Oasis in Saudi Arabia

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

As you know, there are habitats on planet Earth that should be preserved for our descendants. Such a place in Africa is the oasis of Al-Ahsa in Saudi Arabia. This is a unique place created by nature itself, therefore, it is no coincidence that since 2018 it has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Plants, soils, microbiota, biotope are the object of close attention of scientists of various specialties. They should study and evaluate both the past and present state of the Area. At the same time, predictive monitoring should be carried out based on data from past studies. The latter, as is known, requires the collection of a large amount of factual material, the use of modern methods and the development of new methodological approaches. Currently, the biotic component of the oasis ecosystem is being investigated, but there are many blank spots and many unresolved problems. The new carbon policy raises the question of assessing the contribution of plants to the carbon balance. At the same time, an increase in anthropogenic impact on natural ecosystems leads to disruption of the natural carbon cycle and changes in carbon pools. In this regard, the proposed article is very relevant and timely. Because, on the one hand, it provides comprehensive information about the current state of the phytocomplex, and, on the other, based on a comparative analysis of the past and current state, it provides practical recommendations for involving the territory in economic activities. The obtained data from comprehensive studies make it possible to use them in monitoring the natural environment. The data are also of general theoretical importance, since the composition and structure of the ground cover reveal the evolution of this territory, how the settlement of plant species took place.

The article is written in a very good scientific language, it is easy to read, therefore it will be in demand by specialists of different specialties working in different countries. The article will also be of interest to guides who talk about a unique corner of Nature, conduct educational and scientific activities. I really wanted the results to be presented in lectures to students so that they could compare the biomes of the boreal zone and tropical territories. The introduction reveals the essence of the topic, and a good review of the literature on the subject is made. The objects are described in great detail, there are no questions about this section. The methods are adequate to the research tasks, they are widely used, therefore they can be comparable and comparable with other biotopes. The results are presented in detail, the tabular material is clear. The drawings visualize the results well, they are easy to read. A large list of literature confirms the conclusions, summarizes the data of many years of research. 

 Overall, the article makes a very good impression, and I emphasize once again that it is of great scientific importance. I wish the authors creative success and new ideas! All comments are presented below. 

4 –their key factors...of what? Development, sustainability, conservation... I don't have enough words

to write that this is the Arabian Peninsula, in parentheses (recommendation)...after all, Saudi Arabia is a country, it is not a biological site ... however, this is only recommendation

11- the first sentence of the RELEVANCE of the study ... this is a UNESCO site, you can write like that

13-tasks to write

14- (LANDSAT),...put an end to

17- 1625.81 ha,...period

19- (2), (3), and (4)...what is it???

19- categories...what is it in the methods to reveal...is not clear

23- Their odds ratios are inferior than1….what is it? Rewrite

23-26-I didn't understand what it was!

The urban sprawl had a non-significant negative effect... For what?

 

To preserve the Oasis agricultural identity, the researchers advocate for awareness and extension efforts directed at the elderly... about what?, traditional production practices, and largescale producers, and fighting against... how is it?  climate change effects

31- I did not see that this is a UNESCO site

220- where are the objects?

You need to split the Introduction chapter

234- s (Frank, A.V., 1988)?

258-maybe you can make a diagram in the form of a drawing, something is very difficult to read, confusing

314, 324-the drawing is good, but "floated"

 

A big request in the Objects is to provide a drawing of the placement of the research object, Country, continent, degrees…

Natural and climatic conditions (climate, relief, orography, hydrology, vegetation)

 

338- city vegetation...with a capital letter

Not classified...everywhere 0...can write in a note or Methods

...Change in area of different categories of land cover at Al-Ahsa Oasis during the period 2000- 338 2020...what units...%? Or are these already coefficients?

374- Step 1...there is no such thing in the methods... but Step 2? There are

370- Social Variables in the equation (Step 1) of the Social model version….Please add a sentence EVERYWHERE.…Where is it... in the oasis of Saudi Arabia

375- EXP(B)...I didn't find it in the Methods

Modern tech. (1)...why is the number 1,397 everywhere

- Tanzania...what does Tanzania have to do with it?

400-411-no links

441-449-no links... do you have a program? The public program

442- I consider it necessary to provide a diagram ... what factors influence the formation of the ground cover ... otherwise, the presented material looks very scarce

555th Kingdom?...but that wasn't in the objects! of Saudi Arabia

573- happened...with a capital letter

579- So, more studies should be conducted in  the field.Read the sentence again and correct it.

Thus, I would like to emphasize once again the importance of the article and its relevance. However, more work needs to be done.

Comments on the Quality of English Language

Everything is clear to me, there were no questions, the scientific terms were used for their intended purpose.

Author Response

Comments 1: [4 –their key factors...of what? Development, sustainability, conservation... I don't have enough words to write that this is the Arabian Peninsula, in parentheses   (recommendation) ...after all, Saudi Arabia is a country, it is not a biological site ... however, this is only recommendation.

Response 1: [The authors revised the title to be “Assessment of land cover changes and an exploration of the sustainability key factors at Al-Ahsa Oasis in Saudi Arabia] Thank you for pointing this out. We agree with this comment. Therefore, we have [added the words “of the sustainability” to the title. – page 1, lines 3-4.]

Comments 2: [11- the first sentence of the RELEVANCE of the study ... this is a UNESCO site, you can write like that.]

Response 2: [Since 2018, Al-Ahsa Oasis has become a UNESCO site because of the integration of the natural, agricultural and cultural elements] Thank you for pointing this out. We agree with this comment. Therefore, we have [made necessary changes. – page 1, Abstract, lines 11-12.]

Comments 3: [13-tasks to write.]

Response 3: [No changes, it is clear] Thank you for pointing this out. We don’t agree with this comment. Therefore, we have [remained the original sentences. – page 1, Abstract, lines 14-15.]

Comments 4: [14- (LANDSAT),...put an end to.]

Response 4: [.] Thank you for pointing this out. We agree with this comment. Therefore, we have [split the sentence. – page 1, Abstract, line 16.]

Comments 5: [17- 1625.81 ha,...period.]

Response 5: [No change] Thank you for pointing this out. We don’t agree with this comment. Therefore, we have [the period is mentioned above – page 1, Abstract, line 14.]

Comments 6: [19- (2), (3), and (4)...what is it???]

Response 6: [The category of ages are: (1) 18-28, (2) 29-39, (3) 40-50, (4) more than 50 years] Thank you for pointing this out. We agree with this comment. Therefore, we have [made changes of the sentence – page 1, Abstract, line 21.]

Comments 7: [19- categories...what is it in the methods to reveal...is not clear.]

Response 7: [Results reveal which age category has impacted farmers' decision to change the vocation of their land use and cover. They reveal that the elderly ones affect the LCC occurrence. The probability of LCC occurring is greater for the eldest than for the youngest farmers. The youngest farmers preserve the vocation of their land and did not make changes during the period from 2000 to 2020] Thank you for pointing this out. We agree with this comment. Therefore, we have [clarified these aspects in the discussion, - page 14, paragraph 4, lines 559-579.]

Comments 8: [23- Their odds ratios are inferior than1….what is it? Rewrite.]

Response 8: [Odds ratio is tthe probability of LCC happening. The indicator was explained in the results part]. Thank you for pointing this out. We agree with this comment. Therefore, we have [clarified these aspects in the results section, - page 10, paragraph 1, line 388.]

Comments 9: [23-26-I didn't understand what it was!

The urban sprawl had a non-significant negative effect... For what?.]

Response 9: [The urban sprawl had a non-significant negative effect on the LCC. To preserve the identity of the zone as a sustainable agricultural and UNESCO heritage site, the researchers advocate for awareness and extension efforts aimed at the elderly to improve traditional production practices, enhance plant resilience, increase farm sizes for better earnings, and combat climate change effects to protect native plant species]. Thank you for pointing this out. We agree with this comment. Therefore, we have [explained and rewritten the sentence Abstract, - page 1, lines 24-29.]

Comments 10: [31- I did not see that this is a UNESCO site.]

Response 10: [Al-Ahsa Oasis, inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2018, is located in the eastern region of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, approximately at 25.4°N latitude and 49.6°E longitude. The oasis lies about 70 km west of the Arabian Gulf and 13 km from Lake Al-Asfar. The topography of Al-Ahsa is characterized by three principal geomorphological units: desert, highland, and plain, interspersed with several marshes and valleys. The region is distinguished by an arid climate, with extremely hot and dry summers and relatively cold, occasionally rainy winters. Average summer temperatures may reach up to 48°C, while winter temperatures can drop to around 10°C. The area receives an average annual precipitation of approximately 83.3 mm, predominantly during the autumn season, and is periodically subjected to sandstorms.]. Thank you for pointing this out. We agree with this comment. Therefore, we have [revised the paragraph, the introduction section, paragraph 1,  page 1, lines 36-45.]

Comments 11: [220- where are the objects?.]

Response 11: [In this context, agricultural land in the Al-Ahsa Oasis has been increasingly threatened by rapid urban expansion, the spread of bare or degraded areas, and climate changes, posing serious challenges to the region’s environmental sustainability and agricultural productivity. For that, the current research questions the extent to which LCC are risky and at what level the transformations reflect broader land cover dynamics driven by demographic pressures, economic development, and climatic variability. However, despite the significance of these changes, few studies have provided an integrated, evidence-based assessment of their causes in Al-Ahsa. Most of existing analyses remain descriptive.

The present study aims to fill this gap by assessing the LCC and identifying the principal drivers influencing these transformations in the Al-Ahsa Oasis, Saudi Arabia, over the period 2000–2020. Specifically, the research pursues two objectives: (1) to quantify the spatial and temporal patterns of land cover change using geospatial and remote sensing techniques; and (2) to analyze the sustainable factors influence of socio-economic, agricultural, and climatic variables on these changes through statistical and comparative analysis. Beyond contributing to the existing body of knowledge on LCC in arid regions, the study provides empirical evidence of the impacts of climate change on land cover dynamics. Its findings are intended to inform sustainable land management and policy formulation by supporting integrated strategies for climate change mitigation and adaptation in Saudi Arabia and similar dryland ecosystems.]. Thank you for pointing this out. We agree with this comment. Therefore, we have [noted that Lines 86–104 underlined the research's objectives. It connects the problematic to the literature in the introduction. Authors also clarified that the object is clarified pages 2-3, lines 94-104.]

Comments 12: [You need to split the Introduction chapter.]

Response 12: [The authors pointed out that the introduction regrouping problematic and literature review sections were adopted by the Sustainability journal template. The problem and the goals are presented in the first section of the introduction. The literature review is developed in the second section (beginning at line 105).]. Thank you for pointing this out. We agree with this comment. Therefore, we have [presented the split throughout the the paragraph of the objects of the study mentioned in the response 10, pages 2-3, lines 94-104.]

Comments 13: [234- s (Frank, A.V., 1988)?]

Response 13: [ [38] Frank, L. A.; Craven, J. D. Imaging results from Dynamics Explorer 1. Review of Geophysics 1988, 26(2), 249-283. https://doi.org/10.1029/RG026i002p00249.]. Thank you for pointing this out. We agree with this comment. Therefore, we have [revised the citation in the text and the reference, in the text, page 259, and in references, page 759-760]

Comments 14: [258-maybe you can make a diagram in the form of a drawing, something is very difficult to read, confusing]

Response 14: [ To assess land cover changes and vegetation dynamics in the Al-Ahsa Oasis, a sequence of satellite image processing and analysis steps was conducted for the years 2000 and 2020. This approach ensured consistent spatial and temporal comparison for environmental interpretation. The procedure consisted of the following stages:

1. Visualization: Visualization of the study area for 2000 and 2020 enabled an initial overview of land cover conditions.
2. Processing and enhancement: Multiple visualization layers were merged to integrate the spectral bands in the visible range, and appropriate wavelengths were selected to highlight vegetation cover variations.
3. Atmospheric correction: Radiometric and atmospheric corrections were applied to minimize the effects of gases, dust, and aerosols, ensuring geometrically and radiometrically accurate images.
4. Study area extraction: The corrected imagery was clipped to the Al-Ahsa Oasis boundaries to define the area of analysis.
5. Classification and interpretation: Land cover classification was performed using representative training samples for each category.
6. Change detection and analysis: Land cover changes were analyzed using statistical and spatial techniques, including image differencing and change detection mapping. Vegetation dynamics were evaluated through the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), a widely used indicator for assessing vegetation health, desertification, and land degradation processes [41].]. Thank you for pointing this out. We agree with this comment. Therefore, we have [revised the text, page 6, lines 278-298]

Comments 15: [314, 324-the drawing is good, but "floated"

 A big request in the Objects is to provide a drawing of the placement of the research object, Country, continent, degrees…

Natural and climatic conditions (climate, relief, orography, hydrology, vegetation)]

Response 15: [ Al-Ahsa Oasis, inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2018, is located in the eastern region of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, approximately at 25.4°N latitude and 49.6°E longitude. The oasis lies about 70 km west of the Arabian Gulf and 13 km from Lake Al-Asfar. The topography of Al-Ahsa is characterized by three principal geomorphological units: desert, highland, and plain, interspersed with several marshes and valleys. The region is distinguished by an arid climate, with extremely hot and dry summers and relatively cold, occasionally rainy winters. Average summer temperatures may reach up to 48°C, while winter temperatures can drop to around 10°C. The area receives an average annual precipitation of approximately 83.3 mm, predominantly during the autumn season, and is periodically subjected to sandstorms.]. Thank you for pointing this out. We agree with this comment. Therefore, we have [revised the introduction, paragraph 1, page 1, lines 36-45]

Comments 16: [338- city vegetation...with a capital letter]

Response 16: [ The authors revised the table]. Thank you for pointing this out. We agree with this comment. Therefore, we have [revised the words in the table 1, page 9, line 375]

Comments 17: [Not classified...everywhere 0...can write in a note or Methods]

Response 17: [ *“Not classified” indicates that the texture does not fit into any of the following categories: sand, cities, vegetation, or soil.”]. Thank you for pointing this out. We agree with this comment. Therefore, we have [added clarification as note, page 9,  line 376]

Comments 18: [338- ...Change in area of different categories of land cover at Al-Ahsa Oasis during the period 2000- 2020...what units...%? Or are these already coefficients?]

Response 18: [ Km2]. Thank you for pointing this out. We agree with this comment. Therefore, we have [added clarification in the title of the table 1, page 9 , line 373]

Comments 19: [374- Step 1...there is no such thing in the methods... but Step 2? There are]

Response 19: [ The results obtained after one step or more of the running the binary logistic model (BLM) model. Each step constitutes a state of variables’ compilation. Retained results are indicated in the last consistent step]. Thank you for pointing this out. We agree with this comment. Therefore, we have [added clarification in the text in page 7, paragraph 5, lines 327-329]

Comments 20: [370- Social Variables in the equation (Step 1) of the Social model version….Please add a sentence EVERYWHERE.…Where is it... in the oasis of Saudi Arabia]

Response 20: [ Social Variables in the equation (Step 1) of the BLM in the Al-Ahsa Oasis of Saudi Arabia]. Thank you for pointing this out. We agree with this comment. Therefore, we have [added this in page 10, line 418; and in page 11, line 428 and 435.]

Comments 21: [375- EXP(B)...I didn't find it in the Methods]

Response 21: [ The Exponential (B) or Exp (B) represents the likelihood of LCC occurrence, also known as the Odds ratio]. Thank you for pointing this out. We agree with this comment. Therefore, we have [added a clarification about the parameter in page 10, lines 389-391.]

Comments 22: [Modern tech. (1)...why is the number 1,397 everywhere. ]

Response 22: [ The authors noted that -1.307 is the coefficient of the modern technology effect on LCC. Authors need to specify when this effect will be observed.]. Thank you for pointing this out. We agree with this comment. Therefore, we have [just clarified to the reviewer]

Comments 23: [- Tanzania...what does Tanzania have to do with it?]

Response 23: [ The authors pointed out that Tanzania was just brought up in order to compare the outcomes of changes in plant cover. It makes up the case study on LCC.]. Thank you for pointing this out. We agree with this comment. Therefore, we have [just clarified to the reviewer]

Comments 24: [400-411-no links

441-449-no links... do you have a program? The public program]

Response 24: [ For the paragraphs at lines 400–411 and 441–449, the authors cited references 45 and 4, respectively. In addition, in our study, the results of the GIS and ENVI showed the persistence of both damage and regeneration at the same time, each one has its causes. Thus, authors attempted to explain the two phenomena and their circumstances]. Thank you for pointing this out. We agree with this comment. Therefore, we have [just clarified for the reviewer]

Comments 25: [442- I consider it necessary to provide a diagram ... what factors influence the formation of the ground cover ... otherwise, the presented material looks very scarce]

Response 25: [Authors didn’t see how to make diagram for that]. Thank you for pointing this out. Therefore, we have [No change]

Comments 26: [555th Kingdom?...but that wasn't in the objects! of Saudi Arabia]

Response 26: [Authors made changes]. Thank you for pointing this out. We agree with this comment. Therefore, we have [rectified the inattentional error in the conclusion section, page 15, lines 626-628]

Comments 27: [573- happened...with a capital letter]

Response 27: [Authors made the necessary change: Happened]. Thank you for pointing this out. We agree with this comment. Therefore, we have [rectified the inattentional error in the conclusion section, page 16, lines 646]

Comments 28: [579- So, more studies should be conducted in the field. Read the sentence again and correct it.]

Response 28: [Thus, more research in this area is needed, with an emphasis on climate change, its consequences, and its causes. Additionally, by forecasting and simulating long-term situations while taking the accentuation of risk factors into account, such study can focus on the long-term Oasis sustainability plan.]. Thank you for pointing this out. We agree with this comment. Therefore, we have [rectified the sentence, page 16, lines 654-658]

Reviewer 2 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

The main focus of this study is the investigation and assessment of land cover in the Al-Ahsa Oasis in Saudi Arabia. The authors also identified factors influencing changes related to land cover.
The authors examined a multi-year observation period using satellite imagery and detailed processing of the source data.
The authors present the land use patterns of the described area, including lands being restored from deserts.
The paper primarily examines the influence of socioeconomic factors on the desired indicators.
The research methodology and interpretation of the results are described step by step.
Considering the importance of timely assessment of soil cover change trends and the possibility of timely decision-making, as well as its impact on the sustainability of regional development, I believe this work addresses a relevant topic and is consistent with the scope of the journal.
However, there are a number of criticisms regarding the material:
1. The article is somewhat verbose. A large number of studies are cited, but the criteria identified by the authors and their significance are not compared. 2. The chosen criteria, their significance, and their mutual influence (independence) should have been substantiated in greater detail.
3. It would have been useful to present the dynamics of the selected indicators over the years graphically, to enhance the presentation and comprehension of the material.
4. The conclusions are largely factual statements, but do not reflect the influence and significance of the selected factors, nor do they compare the authors' results with the data of other researchers cited in the introduction.
5. The directions for future research should have been described in greater detail.

Author Response

Comments 1: [The article is somewhat verbose. A large number of studies are cited, but the criteria identified by the authors and their significance are not compared.]

Response 1: [The authors stated that they compared the main findings of the current study to the significant findings of other important studies mentioned in the literature, such as [17] in line 447, page 12; [25] in page 12,  line 460; [45] in page 12, line 465; [4] in page 13,  line 520; [11] in page 13, lines 528 and 538; [28] inpage 13, line 575; [12, 26, 30] in page 15, line 618; and [24, 25, 26, 28] in page 15, line 620.

The authors also added: “These findings support prior research findings on plant threats [13], biodiversity loss [14], increased wildfire [15], urban expansion [16], and cropland loss [17]. These effects took various forms in different places, such as warm and high temperatures or a drying season with less rain”]. Thank you for pointing this out. We agree with this comment. Therefore, we have [clarified the citation in the text for comparison, and added the words “of the sustainability” to the title. – page 15, lines 612-615]

Comments 2: [The chosen criteria, their significance, and their mutual influence (independence) should have been substantiated in greater detail.]

Response 2: [These variables will be utilized for the model. They were selected based on a comprehensive literature review identifying potential variables that could influence the LCC. The second criterion for their inclusion was data availability, which was obtained through a survey of 105 respondents using a questionnaire that gathered information on socioeconomic, climatic, and episodic phenomena during the study period. The final and most critical criterion for their selection was reliability, assessed in terms of their consistency through correlation with the dependent variable. This criterion guided the selection of variables to be included in the model.

In our study, multiple variables were incorporated into the analysis. As is standard practice, the results obtained after one step or more of the running the binary logistic model (BLM) model. Each step constitutes a state of variables’ compilation. Retained results are indicated in the last consistent step. The main outcomes are the omnibus test, which assesses the overall model fit (also known as the likelihood ratio test), the Hosmer-Lemeshow test, which evaluates the goodness of fit, and the model summary for variables retained at the final stage of the evaluation process. Coefficients corresponding to other variables were not retained by the model at this stage and, consequently, could not be discussed in detail in the results. Therefore, the discussion was limited to the outcomes of the final evaluation stage, which will be described in detail in the results section.] Thank you for pointing this out. We agree with this comment. Therefore, we have [detailed the text in the methodology – page 7, paragraph 4 and 5,  lines 318-335.]

Comments 3: [It would have been useful to present the dynamics of the selected indicators over the years graphically, to enhance the presentation and comprehension of the material.]

Response 3: [The authors clarified that variables data are time serious data, they are only for 2000 and 2020, and their difference are used in the model (i.e., over twenty years), not over the years.] Thank you for pointing this out. We don’t agree with this comment. Therefore, we have [just clarified to the reviewer]

Comments 4: [The conclusions are largely factual statements, but do not reflect the influence and significance of the selected factors, nor do they compare the authors' results with the data of other researchers cited in the introduction.]

Response 4: [The current study aimed to measure land cover changes and to investigate the impacts of its key factors in Al-Ahsa Oasis in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia during 2000-2020 period. For that, authors ‎used a double objectives methodology in a first stage on Arc GIS and ENVI tool for estimating changes ‎and in second stage the estimation of the effects of factors using the binary logistic model. Application was done on ‎geographic data collected by remote sensing and satellite delimiting the frontiers of land cover components ‎and a survey on a sample of 105 farms, describing social, economic, agricultural, and natural phenomena and transformation survived during the period of the research. ‎The main results show that land cover has changed in average annually between 2000 and 2020, by comparison to the results of [3] between 1985 and 2017, as follows: ‎

• Vegetation cover has decreased by - 0.41% greater than – 0.21%.
• ‎The desert (sand) area has been decreased by - 0.72%, while increased by 0.05%.
• The city area has been increased by 0.94% and 4.51%.‎
• Bare land (soil) area has been increased by 0.27%, while it has decreased by -0.65%.‎.]

 Thank you for pointing this out. We agree with this comment. Therefore, we have [revised the conclusion. – page 15- 16, lines 626-639]

Comments 5: [The directions for future research should have been described in greater detail.]

Response 5: [Thus, more research in this area is needed, with an emphasis on climate change, its consequences, and its causes. Additionally, by forecasting and simulating long-term situations while taking the accentuation of risk factors into account, such study can focus on the long-term Oasis sustainability plan.] Thank you for pointing this out. We don’t agree with this comment. Therefore, we have [clarified and detailed the text, in the conclusion section, – page 16, Abstract, lines 654-658.]

 

 

Reviewer 3 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

The study investigates land cover changes and their key factors that influence their likelihood of occurrence in Al-Ahsa Oasis in 2000-2020. The study was conducted in a conventional manner. My comments are as follows.

1. The citation format of the literature needs to be revised. For example, "[3] assessed the land surface cover changes" should be changed to "Almadini and Hassaballa [3] assessed the land surface cover changes". There are many such issues that need to be corrected.
2. The introduction should stateand highlightthe contributions of this paper.
3. Tables 2-4 are unclear. What do B, S.E, Wald, etc. in the tables mean? What do Edu. level (1)-Edu. level (6) represent respectively? These tables need to be explained in detail in the main text.
4. The discussion section is rather chaotic. I suggest separating the discussion on land use changes and influencing factors. Especially for the influencing factors section, several subheadings should be listed from social and economic perspectives.
5. The abstract section should not include abbreviations such as "categories (2), (3), and (4)".

Author Response

Comments 1: [The citation format of the literature needs to be revised. For example, "[3] assessed the land surface cover changes" should be changed to "Almadini and Hassaballa [3] assessed the land surface cover changes". There are many such issues that need to be corrected..]

Response 1: [Authors revised the format of the citation: in page 2: [3] in line 80, and [4] in lines 83 and 84; page 3: [7] in line 115, [9] in line 126, and [12] in line 138; page 4: [16] in line 156, [18] in line 165, [20] in line 171, [21] in line 172, [22] in line 177, [23] in line 187, [24] in line 194, and [25] in line 196. In addition to the citation in page 5: [27] in line 297, [28] in line 211, [30] in line 222, [31] in line 225, and [32] in line 229 .] Thank you for pointing this out. We don’t agree with this comment. Therefore, we have [revised in the introduction section, pages and lines are cited above.]

Comments 2: [The introduction should state and highlight the contributions of this paper.]

Response 2: [The present study aims to fill this gap by assessing the LCC and identifying the principal drivers influencing these transformations in the Al-Ahsa Oasis, Saudi Arabia, over the period 2000–2020. Specifically, the research pursues two objectives: (1) to quantify the spatial and temporal patterns of land cover change using geospatial and remote sensing techniques; and (2) to analyze the sustainable factors influence of socio-economic, agricultural, and climatic variables on these changes through statistical and comparative analysis. Beyond contributing to the existing body of knowledge on LCC in arid regions, the study provides empirical evidence of the impacts of climate change on land cover dynamics. Its findings are intended to inform sustainable land management and policy formulation by supporting integrated strategies for climate change mitigation and adaptation in Saudi Arabia and similar dryland ecosystems..] Thank you for pointing this out. We agree with this comment. Therefore, we have [detailed the objectives and the contribution of the paper  in the introduction – page 2-3, lines 94-104.]

Comments 3: [Tables 2-4 are unclear. What do B, S.E, Wald, etc. in the tables mean? What do Edu. level (1)-Edu. level (6) represents respectively? These tables need to be explained in detail in the main text.]

Response 3: [the results obtained from running the binary logistic model (BLM) show the effects of predictors (B) on the probability of LCC occurrence during the study period. The Exponential (B) or Exp (B) represents the likelihood of LCC occurrence, also known as the Odds ratio. Additionally, the model's outcomes include the estimated standard error (SE), the Wald test (Wald) is a statistical hypothesis test used to determine the significance of the estimated parameters, the degree of freedom (df) indicating the difference between the number of observations and variables in the model, the significance of the effect (Sig.) showing the probability of significance being less than 5%, and the confidence interval (C.I.) for the Exp (B) with its lower and upper limits.    (page 10, lines 387-396)

The social status is classified into three categories: (1) Celibates, (2) Married, and (3) Divorced and Widows. Whereas, education level is classified into 6 categories: (1) Illiterate, (2) Read and Write, (3) Primary education, (4) Intermediary education, (5) Secondary education, and (6) Tertiary education. Regarding the number of the family members, it is regrouped into three classes: (1) Fewer than 5 members, (2) Between 5 and 7 members, and (3) More than 7 members.  (Page 11, lines 421-426)

The method of irrigation is classified into three categories: (1) Traditional methods including flooding; (2) Modern technology, involving sprinkler, drip, and improved surface irrigation; and (3) Others. (Page 11, lines 431-433)

The questionnaire included as yes (1) or no (0) questions about modern technology, climate change, urban sprawl, availability of scavenger manpower, high spoilage, and lack of productivity variables (Page 12, lines 439-431).] Thank you for pointing this out. We don’t agree with this comment. Therefore, we have [added the necessary according to the reviewer comments in the text. Pages and lines are mentioned above.]

Comments 4: [The discussion section is rather chaotic. I suggest separating the discussion on land use changes and influencing factors. Especially for the influencing factors section, several subheadings should be listed from social and economic perspectives.]

Response 4: [The authors made separation to the discussion section according to the reviewer‎.]

 Thank you for pointing this out. We agree with this comment. Therefore, we have [added separation in the discussion section]

Comments 5: [The abstract section should not include abbreviations such as "categories (2), (3), and (4)".]

Response 5: [According to the BLM findings, climate change, elderly farmers (more than 50 years)] Thank you for pointing this out. We don’t agree with this comment. Therefore, we have [changed the structure of the text in the abstract – page 1, Abstract, lines 20-21.]

Round 2

Reviewer 1 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

Dear authors!

You did a very good job, and after your changes, I really liked everything. Thank you.

You did everything right:

- the title of the article... everything is clear

-The abstract is very clear

-The introduction is well written and well written

-Objects- everything has become very definite

-Methods- prescribed well

-The results and Discussion are clear and complete

-The conclusions are clear

 

I wish the authors financial rain and creative success!

Comments on the Quality of English Language

Everything is clear to me, there were no questions, the scientific terms were used for their intended purpose.

Author Response

Thank you for your valuable comments

The authors inform you that the manuscript was proofread by the language team of MDPI. They certified the text. You will find in the attached file the certificate (English-Editing-Certificate-102147)

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Reviewer 2 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

The main focus of this study is the investigation and assessment of land cover in the Al-Ahsa Oasis in Saudi Arabia. The authors also identified factors influencing changes related to land cover.
The authors examined a multi-year observation period using satellite imagery and detailed processing of the source data.
The authors present the land use patterns of the described area, including lands being restored from deserts.
The paper primarily examines the influence of socioeconomic factors on the desired indicators.
The research methodology and interpretation of the results are described step by step.
Considering the importance of timely assessment of soil cover change trends and the possibility of timely decision-making, as well as its impact on the sustainability of regional development, I believe this work addresses a relevant topic and is consistent with the scope of the journal.

The authors' comments largely answer the questions raised during the initial reading.
In my opinion, the material in its current form can be recommended for publication.

Author Response

Thank you for your valuable comments

Reviewer 3 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

The author has made revisions based on the reviewers' suggestions. I have no additional comments.

Author Response

Thank you for your valuable comments