An original manuscript is submitted electronically and assigned to a Editor covering the relevant subject areas (for details see Editor Assignment).

The Editor is asked to evaluate whether the manuscript is within the scope of the journal and whether it meets a basic scientific quality. He can suggest technical corrections (typing errors, clarification of figures, etc.) before publication in HESSD. Further requests for revision of the scientific contents are not allowed at this stage of the review process but shall be expressed in the interactive discussion following publication in HESSD.

The authors have the opportunity to perform technical corrections, which may be reviewed by the Editor to verify requested corrections and prevent further revisions, which are not permitted at this stage.

After final acceptance the manuscript is typeset by the Copernicus Publications Production Office, proofread by the authors, and published as a discussion paper on the HESSD Website. Public accessibility, archiving and citability are guaranteed from this moment on (usually about 2-8 weeks after submission).

Upon internet publication the paper is opened for public review and discussion, during which interactive comments can be published by designated referees (anonymous or named) and all interested members of the scientific community (named). Normally, every discussion paper shall receive at least two Referee Comments; for more information see Interactive Public Discussion.

After the open discussion the authors are expected to publish a response to all comments (within 4 weeks, extendable upon request). The editor can also publish additional comments or recommendations. Normally, however, formal editorial recommendations and decisions shall be made only after the authors have had an opportunity to respond to all comments, or if they request editorial advice before responding.

Submission of a revised manuscript is expected only if the authors have satisfactorily addressed all comments, and if the revised manuscript meets the high quality standards of HESS (MS Evaluation Criteria). In case of doubt, the authors shall consult the editor if she/he recommends preparation and submission of a revised manuscript or not. Normally the revised manuscript should be submitted no later than 4 to 8 weeks after the end of the open discussion. If more time is required for manuscript revision, the authors can request an extension.

In view of the access peer-review and Interactive Public Discussion, the Editor either directly accepts/rejects the revised manuscript for publication in HESS or consults referees in the same way as during the completion of a traditional peer-review process. If necessary, additional revisions may be requested during peer-review completion until a final decision about acceptance/rejection for HESS is reached.

In case of acceptance the final revised paper is typeset and proofread. Then it is published on the HESS Website with a direct link to the preceding original paper and interactive discussion in HESSD. All publications (original paper, interactive comments, final revised paper) are permanently archived and remain accessible to the open public via internet and the final revised paper is also accessible as print copy.