Which element is necessary in relaying critical information during the briefing process?

The correct element in relaying critical information during the briefing process is applicable traffic. This refers to the specific safety concerns, movements, or situations involving aircraft that can affect air traffic control operations and safety.

In the context of air traffic control, understanding applicable traffic is vital because it ensures that controllers are aware of the current and predicted positions of aircraft operating in their airspace. This information enables the controllers to provide timely and relevant instructions to pilots, thus maintaining safety and efficiency in the airspace.

While weather patterns can impact operations and safety, and traffic volume is important for understanding the workload and necessary control measures, they are not as directly crucial to the immediate operational decisions being communicated during a briefing. Current safety procedures are also fundamental, but without knowing the applicable traffic, controllers might be unable to implement those procedures effectively. Therefore, being informed about applicable traffic is key to managing airspace and enhancing situational awareness during all air traffic control operations.