Which term describes a burned pattern on wood that resembles skin markings of an alligator?

The term that describes a burned pattern on wood resembling the skin markings of an alligator is known as "alligatoring" or the "alligator pattern." This phenomenon occurs when wood is subjected to high temperatures during a fire, causing the surface to crack and form a distinctive, uneven texture that visually mimics the scales of an alligator's skin.

Alligatoring typically indicates intense heat and is often used by fire investigators to discern the intensity and behavior of a fire in determining its origin. The formation of these patterns can provide critical insights into the fire dynamics and help in understanding how the fire developed and spread.

While other terms like "char pattern," "charring," and "fire pattern" are related to fire behavior and wood degradation during combustion, they do not specifically refer to the unique characteristics associated with the alligator pattern, which is distinctive in its appearance and significance in fire investigations.