Comment #172 Daniel Caspi @ 2024-07-30 06:15

The manuscript title really represents the major theme and focuses the reader on a high-resolution shear wave velocity model with radial anisotropy. This level of detail is duplicated in the abstract, which is structured quite coherently into a couple of points: a radially anisotropic model of the Vs in 3D space; capturing large geological features; and understanding Africa-Iberia motion in the Cenozoic. The abstract can be improved by implying methods that are summarized in purporting understanding among the readers of the novel technique applied in the study.

The introduction gives a very strong background of the tectonic setting for the westernmost Mediterranean and, thereby, quite importantly, underscores that the geology of the region is complex. It clearly describes tectonic evolutions that have been debated for this area in the past and currently. Providing more information on these inadequacies, which the study sought to fill at a later stage, would indeed make the introduction stronger in defining the problem statement and justifying why the research is important.

The methodology is complete, with all data collection and analysis steps fully rigorous and thorough. The utilization of a large seismic data set is in association with highly innovative methods, such as the three-station ambient noise interferometry, together with the Bayesian Monte Carlo inversion technique, hence rendering the results more reliable and the resolution level higher. The methodology is very detailed, but an explanation of why Bayesian Monte Carlo inversion was used instead of any other technique would provide much more clarity and justification for its use.

Such results are clearly presented, structured, and informative regarding crustal and mantle shear wave velocities together with radial anisotropy. The results are highly supported by the data and give substantial attention to the geological processes of the region under study.

The discussion section is presented through thoughtful interpretation of the results and proves well related to the general tectonic framework of the area. One of the most outstanding aspects of explaining the anisotropic features comes with insight into geological processes such as extensional deformation and mantle convection. But this part might well be improved by explicitly stating the limitations of the study itself, thereby reflecting the resolution of possible data or assumptions while performing the analysis. This might further give a wider perspective regarding study implications and directions for further research.

It makes a really nice summary of the key findings and their significance in general for understanding the tectonic evolution of the westernmost part of the Mediterranean. The contribution of this study to the general task is very obviously brought out. To further improve on this conclusion, briefly mention the practical applications or how these findings may influence future studies and practical geological assessments of the region.

The references are well-rounded and pertinent to the study, ranging from a myriad of studies that have helped in supporting it. Making sure that recent, high-impact studies are represented will go a long way toward proving the timeliness and applicability of the research.

The manuscript is very well written in general, and the results provide significant contributions to our current understanding of crust and upper mantle dynamics in the westernmost Mediterranean. The use of state-of-the-art seismic imaging techniques and a large dataset raises further the credibility of the results. Minor improvements in discussing limitations of the study would further increase the quality and impact of this paper.

Comment #64 Lili Feng @ 2022-05-03 20:15

I am now collaborating with Dr. Jordi Diaz working on a very major revision of this manuscript. It will be resubmitted to JGR-Solid Earth afterward. The final version of this paper will be quite different from its current form.