What might a print on a very dirty surface lack?

A print on a very dirty surface might lack visibility in detail because the accumulation of dirt, grease, or other residues can obscure the fine features of the print. Latent prints are often examined for specific characteristics such as ridge patterns, minutiae, and other details that can lead to identification. When the print is heavily soiled, the underlying patterns may be lost or difficult to discern, resulting in a print that is less useful for forensic analysis.

In contrast, while a print may still be analyzed even if it's on a dirty surface, the ability to do so depends greatly on the clarity of the print itself. The lack of color contrast could be an issue as well, but it's the detail visibility that truly compromises the forensic value of the print. Finally, while ridge patterns may vary in consistency, dirt doesn't fundamentally alter those patterns—it just makes them harder to see. Thus, the primary concern related to a print found on a dirty surface is the lack of visibility in detail, which directly impacts the effectiveness of latent print examination.