The Whorl fingerprints Patterns

Definition: A whorl fingerprints is that type of pattern in which at least two deltas are present with a recurve in front of each (Figures 3.56 through 3.103).

Types: The plain whorl, the central pocket loop whorl, the double loop whorl, and the accidental whorl.

Plain Whorl fingerprint

A plain whorl possesses two deltas and at least one ridge making a complete circuit, which may be spiral, oval, circular, or any variant of a circle (Figures 3.77 through 3.85).

Figure 3.77-3.85 Plain whorl fingerprint patterns.

• 1. The type lines for both deltas do not have to be the same ridge.
• 2. An imaginary line drawn between the two deltas must touch or cross at least one of the recurving ridges within the inner pattern (Figure 3.76).
• 3. A recurving ridge, however, which has an appendage connected with it, cannot be construed as a circuit as the recurve is spoiled (Figure 3.104).

Figure 3.76

Figure 3.104

Central Pocket Loop Whorl fingerprint

Definition: The central pocket loop has two deltas and at least one ridge making a complete circuit, which may be spiral, oval, circular, or any variant of a circle (Figures 3.86 through 3.103).

Figure 3.86-3.94 Central pocket loop whorl fingerprint patterns.

Figure 3.95-3.103 Central pocket loop whorl fingerprint patterns.

• 1. One or more of the simple recurves of the loop type usually recurve a second time to form a pocket within the loop (inside delta).
• 2. This does not have to be a continuation of the first ridge or connected to it. Example: Loop convergence (Figure 3.123).

Combines the features of both loops and whorls.

• 1. The pattern looks like a loop but has a small whorl inside the loop ridges.
• 2. It has two deltas, one at the edge of the pattern area, and one inside the pattern area just below the centermost ridges (inner delta).
• 3. It fulfills the requirements of the loop with one or more whorl ridges around the core.
• 4. This pattern is sometimes called a bulb or flower for obvious reasons (Figures 3.114-3.122).

a. An imaginary line between the inner and outer delta must not touch or cross any of the recurving ridges within the inner pattern area (Figure 3.124).

Figure 3.124

b. In lieu of a recurve in front of the delta in the inner pattern area, an obstruction at right angles to the line of flow will suffice.

c. The obstruction may be curved or straight, connected or unattached to the recurve.

d. A dot cannot be considered an obstruction.

Figure 3.123

e. The inner line of flow is determined by drawing an imaginary line between the inner delta and the center of the innermost recurve or looping ridge (Figure 3.125).

Figure 3.125

f. A true recurving ridge does not have to cross the line of flow at right angles; an obstruction does.

g. If the recurve or obstruction has an appendage at the point of intersection of the line of flow, at the delta side, it is spoiled.

In a central pocket loop whorl, at least one recurve or obstruction at right angles to, free from appendage, must cross the inner line of flow (Figure 3.126).

Double Loop Whorl fingerprint

A double loop whorl is a fingerprint pattern that consists of two separate loop formations with two separate and distinct sets of shoulders and two deltas (2 x 2x2) (Figures 3.105 through 3.113).

Figure 3.105-3.113 Double loop whorl fingerprint patterns.

Figure 3.126

• 1. The loops may be connected by an appendaging ridge provided that it does not abut on the loop at right angles between the shoulders, spoiling it (Figure 3.127a and b).
• 2. The loops do not have to conform to the ridge count requirement of a plain loop (Figure 3.128).
• 3. It is not essential that both sides of a loop be of equal size or length (Figure 3.129).
• 4. It is not material from which side the loops enter. The loops may enter from either side or both from the same side.

Figure 3.127

Figure 3.128

Figure 3.129

Accidental Whorl fingerprint

An accidental whorl is a pattern consisting of a combination of two different types of patterns, with the exception of the plain arch, with two or more deltas, or a pattern that possesses some of the requirements for two or more different types, or a pattern that conforms to none of the definitions (Figures 3.114 through 3.122).

Figure 3.114-3.122 Accidental whorl fingerprint patterns.

Examples are as follows:

• • Loop and Tented Arch (Note: The loop must appear over the tented arch. Where the loop does not appear in this position, the preferred pattern is a loop.)
• • Loop and Plain Whorl (Figure 3.130)
• • Loop and Central Pocket Loop (Figure 3.131)
• • Combination of a Loop and Double Loop Whorl (Figure 3.132)

Figure 3.130

Figure 3.131

Figure 3.132

If there is an issue between two types of patterns in the whorl fingerprints pattern or ridges that conform to more than one subdivision, the order of priority in preference is:

• 1. Accidental
• 2. Double loop
• 3. Central pocket loop
• 4. Plain