What are striations?

Striations refer specifically to marks or lines that are created when a harder object slides across a softer material. This phenomenon occurs due to the friction and pressure involved in the contact between the two surfaces. As the harder object moves, it can create distinct patterns or grooves in the softer material, which can be critical in forensic analysis for identifying tools or weapons used in a crime.

In forensic science, understanding striations is important as they can provide unique identifiers that link a tool to a specific incident or crime scene. These markings can be analyzed and compared to potential sources to establish evidence related to an investigation. This concept is often utilized in ballistic analysis, tool mark comparison, and fingerprint analysis, showcasing the significance of these patterns in gathering evidence.

The other options focus on different concepts that are not related to the sliding action that defines striations. Impressions formed during a static position, residual traces after dissolution, and patterns in biological samples under a microscope all describe different phenomena and do not convey the specific nature of striations.