What is "wake turbulence"?

Wake turbulence refers to the disturbance in the air created by the passage of an aircraft, particularly large ones, as they fly through the atmosphere. This phenomenon occurs because an aircraft generates vortices, or spirals of rotating air, at its wingtips due to differences in pressure above and below the wings during flight. These vortices can remain airborne for some time after the aircraft has passed, posing a significant hazard to following aircraft, especially those taking off or landing nearby.

Understanding wake turbulence is crucial for pilots, as it can lead to loss of control in smaller aircraft that encounter these disturbances. Recognizing the need for increased spacing between aircraft during takeoff and landing, particularly in busy air traffic situations, is a direct result of the potential risks posed by wake turbulence. The other answers address different types of turbulence or winds but do not accurately define wake turbulence and its implications in aviation safety.