the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
| 11 Oct 2023
Simbi: historical hydro-meteorological time series and signatures for 24 catchments in Haiti
Abstract. The Caribbean country of Haiti is highly exposed to hydroclimatic hazards. However, there is no usable database that is easily accessible to the scientific community for this area. To fill this gap, hydroclimatic data were collected to create the first historical database in Haiti. This database, called "Simbi" (guardian of rivers, freshwater, and rain in Haitian mythology), includes 156 monthly rainfall series over the period 1905–2005, 59 daily rainfall series over the period 1920–1940, 70 daily streamflow series, and 23 monthly temperature series, not necessarily continuous, over the period 1920–1940. It also provides simulated streamflow series over the period 1920–1940 using the GR2M and GR4J rainfall–runoff models for 24 catchments and 48 attributes covering a wide range of topographic, climatic, geological, land use, hydrogeological, and hydrological signature indices. The database will be regularly updated to include additional historical data that will be digitized in the future. It will thus contribute toward better knowledge of the hydrology of Haitian catchments and will enable the implementation of various hydrological calculations useful for designing structures or flow forecasting. Simbi is an open access database and is available for download at: https://doi.org/10.23708/02POK6 (Bathelemy et al., 2023).
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Status: closed
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RC1: 'Comment on essd-2023-259', Anonymous Referee #1, 16 Oct 2023
See attached PDF. I put my focus mainly on the structure of the dataset. It is therefore advisable to have at least two more reviews with a detailed look on the text part (introduction, methodology, discussion).
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AC1: 'Reply on RC1', Ralph Bathelemy, 21 Dec 2023
The comment was uploaded in the form of a supplement: https://essd.copernicus.org/preprints/essd-2023-259/essd-2023-259-AC1-supplement.pdf
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RC3: 'Reply on AC1', Anonymous Referee #1, 09 Jan 2024
Dear authors,
regarding to your answer on point 4.h ("I would indicate the gaps in the time series not with a character (NA), simply do not
enter anything. This ensures the data format numeric."):If you use -9999 as indicator for the gaps be sure to state that very clear in the manuscript and the dataset description. For example, if someone quickly calculates the mean of a time series and doesn't exclude the values -9999 beforehand, the result will be incorrect. It would be better if you could replace the values -9999 by blanks. For that you can use e.g. the software R or just a text editor (there are not so many time series).
I´m looking forward to your revisions.
Citation: https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-2023-259-RC3 -
AC3: 'Reply on RC3', Ralph Bathelemy, 26 Jan 2024
Dear Referee #1,
Blank spaces are handled differently depending on the programming language and version used. To ensure ease of use for all users, including those working with R, Python, Excel, and other software, missing values are represented by -9999, as is common practice in other databases (mainly climate databases). This will be explained clearly in the manuscript and dataset description.
Best regards,
Citation: https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-2023-259-AC3
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AC3: 'Reply on RC3', Ralph Bathelemy, 26 Jan 2024
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RC3: 'Reply on AC1', Anonymous Referee #1, 09 Jan 2024
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AC1: 'Reply on RC1', Ralph Bathelemy, 21 Dec 2023
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RC2: 'Comment on essd-2023-259', Anonymous Referee #2, 28 Nov 2023
The paper provides rainfall and streamflow data for several stations in Haiti, especially for 24 catchments where the paper provides simulated streamflow (monthly and hourly time steps) using GR2M and GR4J for the period of 1920-1940. Similarly to CAMELS, the paper also provides catchment attributes related to topography, geology, land use etc.
Even though the dataset is mainly for 1920-1940 (almost a century ago), the paper is relevant as it provides systematic and consistent data for Haiti. Perhaps one of the only of this type for the Caribbean. The paper is relatively well written and of interest of ESSD. However, some of the methodological choices are not clear. It could be published with some minor editing, especially those raised by RC1 regarding the dataset. Below, I provide some specific suggestions.
ABSTRACT
Besides being “exposed to hydroclimatic hazards” is there anything else that would make the hydrology of the area interesting? The paper could clarify this point starting from the abstract.
What are the limitations of the dataset? Why is it that mainly the 1920-1940 period is analyzed?
INTRODUCTION:
P1L45 – CAMELS also provides hydroclimatic signatures?
P2L47 – Define “these works”.
P2L50 – It reads like there is nothing for Haiti, but it seems that the dataset was built on previous data. Shouldn’t the background be provided here?
P2L53 – What is the definition of “anarchic urbanization”?
P2L63 – “These two databases…” See previous comment on line 50.
P2L75 – Is “producing” the appropriate verb here?
P2L77 – Why for the 1920-1940 period?
DATA USED
L90 – What is the meaning of 70 daily series, but 24 are used? Why 1920-1940? Provide a better description of missing data etc.
L106 – Can you also provide a graph showing missing data periods and percentage?
L122 – Exactly what significant gaps?
METHODOLOGY
L138 – Why for 21 of 24?
L159 – Why were the remainder not provided?
L169 – What is the meaning of “numerically calculated”?
L171-172 – What does it mean to “relocate manually”?
L174 – What “numerical model”?
L177 – This is not clear.
FIG.1 – Provide Haiti country boundary. Are the gray lines the river network? How to consider if a raingauge is relevant? What are the white dots?
L187 – Is this the best method to identify appropriate raingauge?
L213-214 – Can this be shown in a figure? What is a continuous catchment rainfall?
L216-221 – This is not clear.
L222-224 – Why was it used then? This is contradictory to the previous explanation.
L253 – What is the meaning of “most relevant method”?
L263 – Parameters are called “Period 1”… this is not clear and not the best choice of terms.
L277 – SRTM and catchment attributes should be all explained in the same section.
L283 – to produce… are produced.
L288-292 – Should be clearly explained/justified in the beginning. I figure showing the changes would be interesting.
Fig. 3, 5, 6, and 8 should be moved to supplement. This is not well explained and get in the way of the analysis.
Fig 4 and 9 – The color pallet is not appropriate.
Fig 10 – Why this figure? Is this an average for the entire country? How relevant for understanding the hydrology of the region is this?
Fig 13 and 14 – Instead of this bars, isn’t it better to provide a map of the geology and aquifer type of the region? Check most of the CAMELS papers for good examples.
Fig 15 – This is a great example of useful graphics for having a quick look at the data and also precious information for decision makers.
CONCLUSION AND PERSPECTIVE
L528 – “over several decades” seems to be a stretch when considering 1920-1940.
L531 – Please, define and show in a figure what is meant by massive deforestation and anarchic urbanization, otherwise, delete it.
L533-535 – Strange choice of words for these two sentences. Maybe delete?
Citation: https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-2023-259-RC2 -
AC2: 'Reply on RC2', Ralph Bathelemy, 21 Dec 2023
The comment was uploaded in the form of a supplement: https://essd.copernicus.org/preprints/essd-2023-259/essd-2023-259-AC2-supplement.pdf
-
AC2: 'Reply on RC2', Ralph Bathelemy, 21 Dec 2023
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RC4: 'Comment on essd-2023-259', Anonymous Referee #3, 27 Jan 2024
The comment was uploaded in the form of a supplement: https://essd.copernicus.org/preprints/essd-2023-259/essd-2023-259-RC4-supplement.pdf
-
AC4: 'Reply on RC4', Ralph Bathelemy, 24 Feb 2024
The comment was uploaded in the form of a supplement: https://essd.copernicus.org/preprints/essd-2023-259/essd-2023-259-AC4-supplement.pdf
-
AC4: 'Reply on RC4', Ralph Bathelemy, 24 Feb 2024
Status: closed
-
RC1: 'Comment on essd-2023-259', Anonymous Referee #1, 16 Oct 2023
See attached PDF. I put my focus mainly on the structure of the dataset. It is therefore advisable to have at least two more reviews with a detailed look on the text part (introduction, methodology, discussion).
-
AC1: 'Reply on RC1', Ralph Bathelemy, 21 Dec 2023
The comment was uploaded in the form of a supplement: https://essd.copernicus.org/preprints/essd-2023-259/essd-2023-259-AC1-supplement.pdf
-
RC3: 'Reply on AC1', Anonymous Referee #1, 09 Jan 2024
Dear authors,
regarding to your answer on point 4.h ("I would indicate the gaps in the time series not with a character (NA), simply do not
enter anything. This ensures the data format numeric."):If you use -9999 as indicator for the gaps be sure to state that very clear in the manuscript and the dataset description. For example, if someone quickly calculates the mean of a time series and doesn't exclude the values -9999 beforehand, the result will be incorrect. It would be better if you could replace the values -9999 by blanks. For that you can use e.g. the software R or just a text editor (there are not so many time series).
I´m looking forward to your revisions.
Citation: https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-2023-259-RC3 -
AC3: 'Reply on RC3', Ralph Bathelemy, 26 Jan 2024
Dear Referee #1,
Blank spaces are handled differently depending on the programming language and version used. To ensure ease of use for all users, including those working with R, Python, Excel, and other software, missing values are represented by -9999, as is common practice in other databases (mainly climate databases). This will be explained clearly in the manuscript and dataset description.
Best regards,
Citation: https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-2023-259-AC3
-
AC3: 'Reply on RC3', Ralph Bathelemy, 26 Jan 2024
-
RC3: 'Reply on AC1', Anonymous Referee #1, 09 Jan 2024
-
AC1: 'Reply on RC1', Ralph Bathelemy, 21 Dec 2023
-
RC2: 'Comment on essd-2023-259', Anonymous Referee #2, 28 Nov 2023
The paper provides rainfall and streamflow data for several stations in Haiti, especially for 24 catchments where the paper provides simulated streamflow (monthly and hourly time steps) using GR2M and GR4J for the period of 1920-1940. Similarly to CAMELS, the paper also provides catchment attributes related to topography, geology, land use etc.
Even though the dataset is mainly for 1920-1940 (almost a century ago), the paper is relevant as it provides systematic and consistent data for Haiti. Perhaps one of the only of this type for the Caribbean. The paper is relatively well written and of interest of ESSD. However, some of the methodological choices are not clear. It could be published with some minor editing, especially those raised by RC1 regarding the dataset. Below, I provide some specific suggestions.
ABSTRACT
Besides being “exposed to hydroclimatic hazards” is there anything else that would make the hydrology of the area interesting? The paper could clarify this point starting from the abstract.
What are the limitations of the dataset? Why is it that mainly the 1920-1940 period is analyzed?
INTRODUCTION:
P1L45 – CAMELS also provides hydroclimatic signatures?
P2L47 – Define “these works”.
P2L50 – It reads like there is nothing for Haiti, but it seems that the dataset was built on previous data. Shouldn’t the background be provided here?
P2L53 – What is the definition of “anarchic urbanization”?
P2L63 – “These two databases…” See previous comment on line 50.
P2L75 – Is “producing” the appropriate verb here?
P2L77 – Why for the 1920-1940 period?
DATA USED
L90 – What is the meaning of 70 daily series, but 24 are used? Why 1920-1940? Provide a better description of missing data etc.
L106 – Can you also provide a graph showing missing data periods and percentage?
L122 – Exactly what significant gaps?
METHODOLOGY
L138 – Why for 21 of 24?
L159 – Why were the remainder not provided?
L169 – What is the meaning of “numerically calculated”?
L171-172 – What does it mean to “relocate manually”?
L174 – What “numerical model”?
L177 – This is not clear.
FIG.1 – Provide Haiti country boundary. Are the gray lines the river network? How to consider if a raingauge is relevant? What are the white dots?
L187 – Is this the best method to identify appropriate raingauge?
L213-214 – Can this be shown in a figure? What is a continuous catchment rainfall?
L216-221 – This is not clear.
L222-224 – Why was it used then? This is contradictory to the previous explanation.
L253 – What is the meaning of “most relevant method”?
L263 – Parameters are called “Period 1”… this is not clear and not the best choice of terms.
L277 – SRTM and catchment attributes should be all explained in the same section.
L283 – to produce… are produced.
L288-292 – Should be clearly explained/justified in the beginning. I figure showing the changes would be interesting.
Fig. 3, 5, 6, and 8 should be moved to supplement. This is not well explained and get in the way of the analysis.
Fig 4 and 9 – The color pallet is not appropriate.
Fig 10 – Why this figure? Is this an average for the entire country? How relevant for understanding the hydrology of the region is this?
Fig 13 and 14 – Instead of this bars, isn’t it better to provide a map of the geology and aquifer type of the region? Check most of the CAMELS papers for good examples.
Fig 15 – This is a great example of useful graphics for having a quick look at the data and also precious information for decision makers.
CONCLUSION AND PERSPECTIVE
L528 – “over several decades” seems to be a stretch when considering 1920-1940.
L531 – Please, define and show in a figure what is meant by massive deforestation and anarchic urbanization, otherwise, delete it.
L533-535 – Strange choice of words for these two sentences. Maybe delete?
Citation: https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-2023-259-RC2 -
AC2: 'Reply on RC2', Ralph Bathelemy, 21 Dec 2023
The comment was uploaded in the form of a supplement: https://essd.copernicus.org/preprints/essd-2023-259/essd-2023-259-AC2-supplement.pdf
-
AC2: 'Reply on RC2', Ralph Bathelemy, 21 Dec 2023
-
RC4: 'Comment on essd-2023-259', Anonymous Referee #3, 27 Jan 2024
The comment was uploaded in the form of a supplement: https://essd.copernicus.org/preprints/essd-2023-259/essd-2023-259-RC4-supplement.pdf
-
AC4: 'Reply on RC4', Ralph Bathelemy, 24 Feb 2024
The comment was uploaded in the form of a supplement: https://essd.copernicus.org/preprints/essd-2023-259/essd-2023-259-AC4-supplement.pdf
-
AC4: 'Reply on RC4', Ralph Bathelemy, 24 Feb 2024
Data sets
Simbi database: historical hydro-meteorological time series and catchment attributes in Haiti, 1905-2005 Ralph Bathelemy, Pierre Brigode, Vazken Andréassian, Charles Perrin, Vincent Moron, Cédric Gaucherel, Emmanuel Tric, Dominique Boisson https://doi.org/10.23708/02POK6
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