What does wake turbulence primarily result from?

Wake turbulence primarily results from wingtip vortices generated during the lift production of an aircraft. When an aircraft is in flight, especially during takeoff and landing, it creates a difference in pressure between the upper and lower surfaces of the wings. This pressure differential causes the air to flow around the wingtips, which leads to the formation of spiraling vortices that trail behind the aircraft.

These wingtip vortices are particularly strong and can pose a hazard to following aircraft, particularly smaller ones, as they can induce unwanted roll and loss of control if encountered. This phenomenon is especially critical in situations where aircraft are taking off or landing in close proximity to one another. Understanding wake turbulence is essential for maintaining safety and proper spacing between aircraft during these phases of flight. Thus, the correct answer focuses on the fundamental aerodynamic principles that lead to wake turbulence, rooted in the behavior of the wings during flight.