What is meant by 'wake turbulence'?

Wake turbulence refers to the air disturbance that is created by an aircraft as it moves through the atmosphere. This phenomenon occurs due to the difference in pressure on the wings of an aircraft, leading to the formation of vortices that trail behind the aircraft. These vortices can pose a significant hazard to following aircraft, particularly smaller ones, as they can be strong enough to affect their flight dynamics.

Understanding wake turbulence is crucial in air traffic control and aviation safety, as it necessitates proper spacing between departing and arriving aircraft to mitigate potential incidents. It highlights the importance of considering the size and weight of aircraft when planning for safe takeoff and landing operations, ensuring that appropriate precautions are taken to safeguard all aircraft in the vicinity.

In contrast, the other options address different aspects of aviation that do not accurately define the specific phenomenon of wake turbulence.