What does the term "wake turbulence" refer to?

The term "wake turbulence" specifically refers to the turbulence created by an aircraft as it passes through the air, particularly the vortices that form as a result of lift generation. When an aircraft flies, it displaces air, and the difference in pressure between the upper and lower surfaces of the wings generates swirling air patterns, or vortices. These vortex wakes are particularly strong, especially from larger aircraft, and can pose significant hazards to following aircraft, especially during takeoff and landing phases.

Understanding wake turbulence is crucial for pilots, as it necessitates maintaining safe separation distances between aircraft in flight to avoid the potential for loss of control or other incidents caused by the vortices. This phenomenon is not just limited to takeoff or landing but is an inherent byproduct of any aircraft in flight, which is why it is characterized by the air disturbance created while the aircraft is in motion through the atmosphere.