Size refers to dimensions as seen on a plane surface. If the length of a mottle is not more than two or three times the width, the dimension recorded is the greater of the two. If the mottle is long and narrow, as a band of color at the periphery of a ped, the dimension recorded is the smaller of the two and the shape and location are also described. Faint mottles commonly have the same hue as the color to which they are compared and differ by no more than 1 unit of chroma or 2 units of value. Contrast strongly with the color to which they are compared.
Prominent mottles are commonly the most obvious color feature of the section described.
Contrast is often not a simple comparison of one color with another but is a visual impression of the prominence of one color against a background commonly involving several colors. Shape, location, and character of boundaries of mottles are indicated as needed. Shape is described by common words such as streaks, bands, tongues, tubes, and spots. Location of mottles as related to structure of the soil may be significant. Moisture state and physical state of the dominant color are presumed to apply to the mottles unless the description states otherwise.