Dear Jing Tao and co-authors,

I find this paper interesting and thank you very much for your detailed responses to the reviews. In particular, referee one raised important concerns and I would like to ask the referees to comment on your responses and the related revised version of the manuscript.

Kind regards
Christian Beer

Dear Jiung Tao and co-authors

Thanks a lot again for all the efforts to address the concerns and comments by the two referees, and for the much improved update of the manuscript. Meanwhile I have got a second review from one of the referees with only a few minor points mentioned, see pdf attachment. I am sorry for this delay but I really encourage you to go through these points and improve the MS accordingly, and provide a point-by-point reply to me. I will then double check without sending to further review as fast as possible.

I am looking forward to your minor revisions.

Kind regards
Christian Beer

Dear Jing Tao and co-authors,

Thank you very much for the detailed responses to the referee comments and for the related improvements of the manuscript. I see that you could clarify all points raised and I am happy to accept this version of the manuscript. I would also like to aplogize again for the very long review process which is not normal for The Cryosphere. I hope you will submit your future research results again to The Cryosphere.

Kind regards
Christian Beer