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Arch

Definition

A fingerprint pattern in which ridges flow across from one side to the other without recurving and without enclosing a central area. The least common pattern type (approximately 5%). Subtypes: plain arch and tented arch.

Related terms

ACE-V
Analysis, Comparison, Evaluation, Verification: the four-stage method for latent print examination used by accredited forensic fingerprint laboratories. Analysis examines the latent in...
Core
The approximate centre of a fingerprint pattern. In a loop, it is identified as the innermost recurving ridge's peak or the tip...
Delta (Triradius)
The point of convergence of three ridge systems in a loop or whorl, visible as a Y-junction or triangular confluence. Loops have...
Henry Classification System
The fingerprint filing and retrieval system developed by Edward Henry with Haque and Bose in Bengal in the 1890s and adopted by...
Level 1 Detail
In ACE-V, the broadest level of information extracted from a fingerprint: the overall ridge flow and pattern type (arch, loop, whorl). Level...
Loop
A fingerprint pattern in which ridges enter from one side, recurve, and exit on the same side. The most common pattern type...
Ridge Counting
For loop patterns: the number of ridges crossing an imaginary straight line drawn from core to delta, excluding the core and delta...
Ridge Tracing
For whorl patterns: following the ridge issuing from the inner side of the left delta toward the right delta and recording whether...
Whorl
A fingerprint pattern in which at least one ridge makes a complete circuit around a central area, or forms a related closed...

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