What happens to vortices in a crosswind of 1-5 knots?

In the context of air traffic control, understanding the behavior of vortices in crosswind conditions is crucial for both safety and operational efficiency during takeoff and landing phases of flight. When there is a crosswind of 1-5 knots, the vortices produced by an aircraft's wingtip will not remain stationary; instead, they will be influenced by the wind.

In this scenario, one vortex will be affected more significantly by the crosswind than the other. The vortex that is closer to the upwind side of the runway (the side where the wind is coming from) tends to be pushed laterally away from the runway. This happens due to the wind creating a force that displaces the vortex sideways. Conversely, the vortex on the downwind side may stall out or dissipate more quickly because it is moving downwind and away from the turbulent area created by the wingtip.

Therefore, the correct understanding is that under a light crosswind condition, one vortex is laterally displaced while the other can stall or dissipate, leading to the conclusion that one vortex will stall out and the other will be pushed laterally. This knowledge is vital for pilots and air traffic controllers in managing spacing and ensuring safety during critical flight operations near the runway.