Review of “A model-based analysis of foliar NOx deposition” by Erin R. Delaria and Ronald C. Cohen

Abstract

The authors present a simple 8 layer box model based on gradient diffusion to study NOx retention by forests. The model is tested against data from two contrasting forest environments in the USA. A pine forest and a mixed hardwood forest. The study investigates an important aspect of atmospheric N-cycling that is not well represented in many models. NO emissions from soils below dense/tall canopies are partly retained by the canopy due to NO2 deposition or organic-N formation. This reduces the effect of soil NO emissions on atmospheric chemistry (e.g O3 formation) and N-burden. Given the importance of this topic I am supportive of publication after considering the comments given below.