Abstract:Based on CloudSat and CALIPSO data from 2007 to 2010, the cloud vertical structure (CVS) over Northeast China (39°-53°N, 119°-135°E) was analyzed. At first, the precipitation flag of CloudSat was validated by surface observation. Based on the validation, the parameters of CVS, especially that of precipitation cloud and non precipitation cloud, were analyzed. The results show that the distribution of cloud fraction profile is bimodal and shows significant diurnal and seasonal variations. Single layer cloud is the main type over Northeast China and most precipitation is generated by such cloud which is the main target of artificial rainfall enhancement. Most precipitation cloud is nimbostratus of low, cold, ice or mixed phase. Two layer precipitation cloud is dominated by high low or high medium cold cloud, and most of the high cloud is cirrus or altostratus of ice phase while the low cloud is dominated by nimbostratus, stratocumulus or cumulus of mixed or ice phase. Significant differences of CVS between precipitation and non-precipitation are found. Precipitation is more likely to occur in the cloud with low cloud base (CB), thick cloud depth (CD), and thin cloud interlayer thickness (CIT). Meanwhile, the CB temperature of precipitation cloud is higher and varies significantly with seasons.