What characterizes wet prints deposited when the friction ridges are wet?

Wet prints are characterized by a series of rounded units because when the friction ridges of a finger are moist, the moisture affects how the print is transferred onto the surface. The liquid causes the ridges to spread slightly, resulting in softer, more rounded features in the impression. This is in contrast to dry prints, which typically exhibit sharper and more defined edges due to the friction and lack of moisture causing the ridges to maintain their distinct characteristics when they touch a surface.

Understanding the properties of wet prints is vital in forensic science, as it allows for better analysis and interpretation of the latent prints found at crime scenes. The rounded units can also affect the overall clarity and detail observable in the print, making identification potentially more complex compared to dry prints that retain more distinct ridge characteristics.