What does wake turbulence primarily consist of?

Wake turbulence primarily consists of disturbed air. When an aircraft flies, especially during takeoff and landing phases, it generates a swirling pattern of airflow behind it known as wake turbulence. This disturbed air is a direct result of the aircraft's passage through the atmosphere, particularly from the wings and the aircraft's control surfaces. The vortices created can pose significant hazards to following aircraft, especially smaller ones that may be more sensitive to changes in airflow. This is why pilots and air traffic controllers need to be aware of wake turbulence when managing takeoff and landing sequences, as it can lead to loss of control if a subsequent aircraft encounters these turbulent air patterns too closely behind a larger aircraft.

Cloud formations, exhaust fumes, and temperature variations do not directly describe the nature of wake turbulence. While they may be associated with flying conditions or aircraft operation, they are not the primary characteristic that defines wake turbulence. Understanding that it is fundamentally the interaction of the aircraft with the surrounding atmosphere, leading to disturbed air, is crucial for pilots and aviation personnel to ensure safe operations.