A basic assumption behind the method is the fact that typical cloud configurations and their structures are the result of certain physical processes in the troposphere and can provide an indication of the existence of those processes.

Physical processes can also be visualized with the help of relevant numerical parameters. In the following sub-chapters these parameters and their typical structures are described together with their indicative cloud configurations in satellite imagery and their typical structures.

It should be noted that the intention in the following chapters is to summarize theoretical facts and aspects in the form of equations and relations only as far as they are necessary in the light of satellite imagery interpretation; consequently this is not a complete, in depth theoretical discussion.