How does deposition pressure typically affect the shape of a friction ridge?

Deposition pressure plays a significant role in forming and shaping friction ridges, which are the raised patterns found on the fingertips and palms that are crucial for fingerprint identification. When deposition pressure is applied, it affects the way skin ridges form as the skin contours to different surfaces or during different activities.

When there is increased deposition pressure, the shape of each ridge tends to flatten or broaden. This occurs because the skin is compressed, leading to a wider presentation of the ridge patterns rather than maintaining their typical height and narrow shape. As the ridges flatten, they can also become more distinctly visible in certain environments, which can influence how fingerprints are left at a crime scene or on surfaces.

Understanding how pressure affects ridge formation is essential for forensic examiners when they analyze fingerprints, as the shape and size of the ridges can provide vital clues in identifying individuals or understanding the conditions under which prints were made.