Each submission is checked by the editorial team for:

• Fit with Focus & Scope and adherence to Author Guidelines.
• Originality (similarity screening) and compliance with Publication Ethics.
• Ethics statements (IRB/animal/field permits where applicable) and data availability notes.

Submissions failing these checks may be desk-rejected or returned for technical fixes before peer review.

• Manuscripts passing screening are assigned to at least two independent reviewers with relevant expertise and no conflicts of interest.
• Typical review window: 4–8 weeks, subject to reviewer availability.
• Editors may invite additional reviewers or statistical/technical advisors when needed.

• Author identities are concealed from reviewers; reviewer identities are concealed from authors.
• Reviewers evaluate: novelty, methodological soundness, data integrity, clarity, reproducibility, and relevance to geoenvironmental policy/practice.
• AI in peer review: reviewers must not upload manuscripts to public chatbots; any AI assistance must be disclosed to editors (see AI Policy).

• Accept — suitable with minimal or no changes
• Minor Revisions — limited changes required
• Major Revisions — substantial changes needed; may require re-review
• Reject — out of scope or below the journal’s standards

• Submit a revised manuscript with a point-by-point response addressing each reviewer/editor comment.
• For major revisions, the manuscript may be returned to the original (or additional) reviewers.
• Indicate changes with tracked edits or highlighted text where feasible.

• The Editor-in-Chief and assigned editors consider reviewer reports and author responses to reach a final decision.
• Decisions include Accepted, Further Revisions Needed, or Rejected. Clear reasoning is provided.

• Accepted manuscripts undergo copyediting, layout, and author proofs for final checks.
• Upon approval, articles are published online with open access.
• Post-publication corrections follow our Publication Ethics policy.

• Appeals should include a reasoned rebuttal addressing decision points and evidence; send to the Editorial Office.
• Complaints involving ethics or conflicts of interest are handled in line with COPE flowcharts.

Useful Links

• Publication Ethics (JGS)
• AI Policy (JGS)
• Author Guidelines (JGS)
• Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE)
• COPE Flowcharts (Peer Review & Misconduct)