The process of changes in the characteristics of air – masses after their origin due to their movement in other areas (other than origin area) air – masses is called conversion.
The process of conversion in the air – masses has been clarified as follows:
When the air – masses pass through the other area after leaving the area of their origin, they are converted in various sequential steps.
This conversion is of two types:
1. Thermodynamic conversion
2. mechanical conversion.
1. Thermodynamic Conversion: When the air – mass gets heated up or cooled down from below the surface due to the exchange of heat between the surface and the land surface (Basal plane) of the air – masses, it is called Thermodynamic Conversion.
2. Mechanical Conversion: The conversion that occurs in the air – masses, which is free from the heating and cooling provided by the surface is called Mechanical Conversion. For example, the conversion of cyclones, anticyclones, and air due to the vertical movement of air.