Peer Review Process

All manuscripts submitted to the Bulletin of Geology undergo a rigorous peer review process to ensure the publication of high-quality and impactful scientific work. The journal follows a single-blind or open review system, depending on the preference of the reviewers and authors. The overall review workflow is outlined as follows:

1. Submission of Manuscript
   Authors must submit their manuscripts through the journal’s online submission system. The corresponding author is required to create an account and complete the submission process via their dashboard.

2. Initial Editorial Assessment
   The Editor-in-Chief conducts an initial appraisal to evaluate the manuscript’s adherence to the journal’s formatting and submission guidelines. At this stage, the Editor-in-Chief also assesses the manuscript’s originality, relevance, and overall scientific merit. Submissions that do not meet these basic criteria may be rejected without further review.

3. Assignment to Associate Editor
   Manuscripts that pass the initial assessment are assigned to an Associate Editor with expertise in the relevant field. The Associate Editor oversees the peer review process.

4. Reviewer Selection and Invitation
   The Associate Editor identifies and invites at least two qualified reviewers. Until the required number of reviewers accept the invitation, additional invitations may be sent.

5. Peer Review Process
   Reviewers evaluate the manuscript based on scientific quality, originality, methodology, clarity of presentation, and relevance to the journal’s scope. If major flaws are identified, reviewers may recommend immediate rejection. Otherwise, reviewers provide detailed, constructive feedback and a recommendation:

   • Accept

   • Minor revision

   • Major revision

   • Reject

6. Evaluation of Reviews
   The Associate Editor reviews all submitted evaluations and makes a preliminary decision based on the reviewers’ recommendations. In cases of conflicting reviews, a third reviewer may be consulted to reach a more balanced decision.

7. Editorial Decision and Notification
   The final decision—acceptance, rejection, or revision—is communicated to the corresponding author along with anonymized reviewer comments. For manuscripts requiring revision, authors are expected to respond to each comment and submit a revised version within a specified timeframe. Revised manuscripts may be returned to the original reviewers or re-evaluated by the Associate Editor.

Accepted manuscripts proceed to the production stage for copyediting and layout. The Bulletin of Geology is committed to a fair, transparent, and timely peer review process that supports the advancement of geoscientific research.