Profiles normal to the flow direction were analyzed with Fourier transforms and autocorrelation to determine the preferred wavelength of striated zinc electrodeposits formed in flowing acid electrolytes. Striation frequency increases with current density to a minimum separation between striae of approximately 150 mum. At higher current densities, independent of substrate, striae meld and form a smoother nodular deposit. At a given current density, emerging striae possess a higher frequency when deposition occurs on substrates with high growth-center density. Independent control of growth-center spacing by the use of micropatterned electrodes equipped with artificial micron-size hemispherical protrusions triggers the emergence of thin striae earlier and extends the current density range over which they occur. A causal relationship between the density of growth centers and striation emergence is demonstrated.