The significance of mottling in the description of Quaternary estuarine soils
AbstractDuring detailed examination of fresh material from split Delft samples extensive mottling was noted in the alluvial deposits at the SERC test bed site at Bothkennar on the Forth Estuary, Scotland. The mottles, invariably related to small diameter holes, are only recognisable for about thirty minutes before becoming indistinguishable due to general oxidation.The mottles have been categorised into fine, medium and coarse size and are recorded by their percentage cover. They show some evidence of cyclic development. Laboratory tests on the mottled material indicate that only the moisture content is significantly affected. Observation of the mottles is important in that they are related to fine holes which in turn will influence the in situ permeability of the material.