Ridges

A single rolled fingerprint may have as many as 100 or more identification

points that can be used for identification purposes. These points are often
ridge characteristics. There are many different ridge characteristics, although
some of them are more common than others. These points can be used as
points of comparison for fingerprint identification. Depending on how
prevalent the ridge characteristics, fewer or more points of comparison may
be needed for a positive identification.
Ridge Dots
An isolated ridge unit whose
length approximates its width in size.

Ending Ridge
A single friction ridge that terminates
within the friction ridge structure.

Short Ridges
Friction ridges of varying lengths.

Bifurcations
The point at which one friction
ridges divides into two friction ridges.

Enclosures
A single friction ridge that bifurcates and rejoins
after a short course and continues as a single
friction ridge.

Ridge Crossing
A point where two ridge units intersect.

Island Ridges
Single small ridge inside a short ridge or ridge
ending that
is not connected to all other fragmentary ridge.

Fragmentary Ridge
..

center.

Any point on a ridge at or nearest the