A novel analytical toolbox for CME dynamics. (A) CCS traces with similar intensity profiles can be grouped using a hierarchical clustering algorithm. This is applicable to acquisitions longer than the mean CCS lifetime. Growth rate distributions obtained from different clusters are used to develop a cluster library. (B) As validated by IMS analysis, growth rate distributions can be assembled using short fragments of CCS traces. (C) For a given growth rate distribution, an accurate estimation of the corresponding intensity profile is possible by determining analogous growth rate distributions in the cluster library.