Dear authors,

We have now received three detailed reviews with excellent comments that will help improve the manuscript. Though all three reviewers have provided a considerable list of comments, they all agree that the paper provides a novel and valuable contribution for Hess, and they have all reccommended minor revisions. After my own assessment, I agree that the paper should be ready for publication by addressing these comments. It is clear in the response letters that the authors have already carefully considered all comments, so I hope that they will incorporate all these responses into the manuscript. I look forward to receiving the revised paper.

The authors have carefully responded to all the reviewers' comments, and have revised the manuscript by addressing all the issues identified by the reviewers. I therefore believe that the manuscript is now ready for publication.

Regards,
Patricia M. Saco