The objective of this study are: (1) to extend the quantitative and global characterization of cloud properties to include vertical structure by combining CloudSat/Calipso, A-train and ISCCP cloud products into a statistical model of the 3D distribution of cloud properties, (2) to refine the description of the relationships between cloud properties (including 3D structure) and the atmospheric circulation, and (3) to evaluate the feedback-like relations inferred from composites of cloud properties, diabatic heating by radiation and precipitation, and atmospheric motions. Since the space-time sampling of CloudSat/Calipso and A-train cloud observations is so sparse (2800 km, 12 hr), we propose to use the higher-time-resolution ISCCP cloud types and cloud mixtures to combine CloudSat/Calipso and A-train cloud observations (possibly including TRMM precipitation profiles) into a statistical model of their 3D distribution. Several different classification schemes will be tested for consistency: classification of the observed cloud vertical structure by cloud types (as defined by imaging or sounding radiometers like MODIS and AIRS) or by mesoscale mixtures of cloud types or by meteorological conditions (such as surface pressure). The first composite of cloud products describes the 3D distribution of cloud properties. The second composite uses the ISCCP time resolution to sort these observations by the age of the cloud system to form statistical life cycles to study how these cloud systems form, evolve and decay. Because of the practical limits on measuring and modeling the smaller-scale atmospheric motions, the link between the atmospheric circulation and cloud properties is ill-defined, so the third composite combines the cloud products with analyses of the atmospheric state and motions to define statistical but quantitative relationships between the general circulation and clouds. The fourth composite adds precipitation and radiative fluxes, refined by the cloud vertical structure from CloudSat/Calipso, to evaluate the connection between particular cloud properties, the diabatic heating and particular atmospheric states: these cloud-heating-circulation relations provide an estimate of cloud feedbacks, at least on synoptic and seasonal variations. This type of analysis has already been completed based on ISCCP cloud products but lacks the information about vertical structure that CloudSat, Calipso and AIRS will provide.
