Which classification is typically used to describe the simplest fingerprint pattern?

The classification that is typically used to describe the simplest fingerprint pattern is the arch. This pattern is characterized by a smooth, continuous ridge that rises in the center and flows outwards on both sides, resembling an arch. Arches do not have any cores or deltas, which are key features of more complex patterns like loops and whorls.

Arches are considered the most basic fingerprint type, and they comprise a smaller percentage of the total fingerprint population compared to loops and whorls. Understanding the simplicity of the arch pattern is essential for forensic analysis and identification, as it aids in categorizing fingerprints based on their structures. In contrast, loops and whorls introduce additional elements and complexity that make them more distinctive but also more complicated to classify. The composite pattern, being a combination of various types, further complicates the classification process. Thus, the arch stands out as the simplest form among fingerprint classifications.