What kind of wear is caused by rubbing on a rope?

The correct choice is based on the physical interaction between the rope and another surface when they rub against each other. This kind of wear, characterized by surface damage and material loss, is known as abrasion. Abrasion occurs when the rope's fibers are subjected to friction, leading to the wearing away of its outer layers. This can significantly affect the rope's strength and durability over time, making it critical for rescue professionals to regularly inspect their equipment for signs of abrasion to ensure safety during operations.

Delamination refers to the separation of layers within a material, which is more relevant to composite structures than to ropes. Compression relates to a material being squeezed or compacted, typically affecting its shape rather than causing wear from rubbing. Tension describes the pulling force applied to a rope rather than wear due to contact friction. Understanding the impact of abrasion helps technicians maintain equipment integrity and perform safer rescues.