What are striations and how are they useful for comparing bullets?

Striations are fine, parallel lines or grooves that are left on a bullet when it is fired from a firearm. These markings are created by the unique imperfections and characteristics of the gun's barrel, making each firearm's striations distinct. For forensic analysis, comparing the striations on a bullet found at a crime scene with those from a suspected firearm can help determine if the bullet was fired from that specific gun, thereby linking the weapon to the crime. This process is crucial in criminal investigations and can provide strong evidence in court.