What does the presence of wake turbulence depend on?

The presence of wake turbulence is primarily influenced by the type of aircraft and the prevailing wind conditions. Larger and heavier aircraft generate more significant wake turbulence, which can affect other aircraft in their vicinity. For example, a large jet's vortices can linger longer and drift differently depending on wind patterns. Particularly, strong crosswinds can cause the vortices to move away from the aircraft's flight path or linger longer in certain areas.

Additionally, the aircraft type—such as its size, weight, and aerodynamic design—determines the strength and behavior of the wake turbulence it produces. Therefore, understanding these aspects is crucial for ensuring safe separation between aircraft during takeoff, landing, and while in flight, to mitigate the risk of wake turbulence encounters. This context underlines why the correct answer centers around the aircraft's type and prevailing wind conditions.