Science Olympiad - Forensics Science Olympiad - Forensics 2/18/2026
arch fingerprint
tentarch fingerprint
loop fingerprint
double loop fingerprint
pocked loop fingerprint the ridges on the finger meet at the core and loop around to form a
'pocket'; it looks something kind of like a peacock feather
Page 1 Science Olympiad - Forensics.pdf
,Science Olympiad - Forensics Science Olympiad - Forensics 2/18/2026
whorl fingerprint
mixed fingerprint the lines on the fingerprint go all over the places; some go in one
direction and some others go in another (looks like crashing waves)
fingerprint crossover when two ridges cross each other
ridge bifurcation a single ridge that divides two ridges
core 'center' of the finger or loop/ring
ridge ending the abrupt end of a ridge
ridge dots An isolated ridge whose length is also the same as it's width
ridge islands slightly longer than dots and occupy a middle space between two
diverging ridges
ponds or lakes the empty space between two diverging ridges
Page 2 Science Olympiad - Forensics.pdf
, Science Olympiad - Forensics Science Olympiad - Forensics 2/18/2026
spur a notch protruding from a ridge
bridge the small ridges that join two longer adjacent ridges
flame test Testing chemicals by burning a compound to look at its flame color.
Certain compounds and elements burn with distinctive colors.
-Animal fibers shrivel, but don't melt
-Synthetic fibers melt and shrivel, and loose ends fuse together
-Vegetable fibers do not melt or shrivel, but they ignite easily and
usually appear charred after being burned.
test with liquids Liquids used for identification are iodine, sodium hydroxide,
hydrochloric acid, Benedict's solution, and water. Not all liquids are
applicable to all samples.
iodine test When iodine is added to cornstarch, the sample will turn black. If
cornstarch is not present, the iodine will remain brown.
Page 3 Science Olympiad - Forensics.pdf
arch fingerprint
tentarch fingerprint
loop fingerprint
double loop fingerprint
pocked loop fingerprint the ridges on the finger meet at the core and loop around to form a
'pocket'; it looks something kind of like a peacock feather
Page 1 Science Olympiad - Forensics.pdf
,Science Olympiad - Forensics Science Olympiad - Forensics 2/18/2026
whorl fingerprint
mixed fingerprint the lines on the fingerprint go all over the places; some go in one
direction and some others go in another (looks like crashing waves)
fingerprint crossover when two ridges cross each other
ridge bifurcation a single ridge that divides two ridges
core 'center' of the finger or loop/ring
ridge ending the abrupt end of a ridge
ridge dots An isolated ridge whose length is also the same as it's width
ridge islands slightly longer than dots and occupy a middle space between two
diverging ridges
ponds or lakes the empty space between two diverging ridges
Page 2 Science Olympiad - Forensics.pdf
, Science Olympiad - Forensics Science Olympiad - Forensics 2/18/2026
spur a notch protruding from a ridge
bridge the small ridges that join two longer adjacent ridges
flame test Testing chemicals by burning a compound to look at its flame color.
Certain compounds and elements burn with distinctive colors.
-Animal fibers shrivel, but don't melt
-Synthetic fibers melt and shrivel, and loose ends fuse together
-Vegetable fibers do not melt or shrivel, but they ignite easily and
usually appear charred after being burned.
test with liquids Liquids used for identification are iodine, sodium hydroxide,
hydrochloric acid, Benedict's solution, and water. Not all liquids are
applicable to all samples.
iodine test When iodine is added to cornstarch, the sample will turn black. If
cornstarch is not present, the iodine will remain brown.
Page 3 Science Olympiad - Forensics.pdf
