What are vortices in aviation?

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Vortices in aviation refer to circular patterns of air generated by lift, particularly those that occur at the wingtips of an aircraft. When an aircraft creates lift, the air pressure beneath the wings is higher than the air pressure above. This difference causes air to flow around the wingtips from the bottom to the top, resulting in rotating air patterns known as vortices. These vortices are particularly significant during takeoff and landing phases, where they can be a hazard to following aircraft, especially smaller ones since they can encounter wake turbulence. Understanding vortex formation and behavior is crucial for maintaining safe separation between aircraft, especially during these critical phases of flight.