The manuscript addresses a relevant problem in earth system dynamics and does so with good merit and potential. Following a rich discussion, wise pathways towards improving the manuscript have been raised, and the author is already in good progress towards further maturing the manuscript in the right direction. The next step thus entails updating and uploading a revised version of the manuscript in accordance with the raised concerns and pledged revisions. The decision on "major revisions" is essentially to allow enough time for a good paper to become excellent, and to enable peer-review consultation regarding the revised version. Looking forward to the revised version, I enclose my best regards.

Dear Dr. Miguel Nogueira,
Thank you very much for your thorough revisions, which further raised the good level of the original manuscript into a state of excellence.
After careful evaluation and consultation, I hereby accept the manuscript for final publication in Earth System Dynamics. Congratulations!
With very best regards,
Rui Perdigão
(ESD Editor)