What may cause a ridge break in friction ridges?

Ridge breaks in friction ridges can occur due to a variety of factors that disrupt the continuous flow and structure of the ridges. A dip in the ridge at a pore opening can create a break as the normal ridge pattern is altered, which affects how the ridge appears. Similarly, a failure in the deposition of the matrix, the material that makes up the fingerprint, can lead to inconsistencies and breaks in the pattern—essentially, if the underlying structure is not formed properly, it results in a visible disruption.

Additionally, the presence of dirt can also result in ridge breaks. Dirt can obstruct or obscure the ridge patterns, leading to irregularities that disrupt the normal formation and continuity of the ridges. Each of these factors—variations at the pore openings, deposition issues, and contamination from dirt—contributes to the occurrence of ridge breaks, underscoring that the answer encompasses all mentioned scenarios. This holistic view captures how multiple influences can lead to breaks in friction ridges.