What process results in the gradual increase in land area through deposits of soil?

The process that results in the gradual increase in land area through deposits of soil is known as accretion. Accretion occurs when soil, sediment, or other materials are naturally deposited in a certain area, often by the action of water in rivers, lakes, or oceans. Over time, these deposits build up and create new land or expand existing land.

Understanding accretion is essential in real estate, particularly when dealing with waterfront properties or lands adjacent to bodies of water. As land builds up gradually, property boundaries may also change, and this can have implications for ownership and property rights.

The other terms in the question refer to different processes. Erosion is the process by which land is worn away and lost, often due to wind or water action. Severance refers to the division of a larger property into smaller parcels, which is unrelated to land area increase. Avulsion, on the other hand, is a sudden and dramatic change to land, such as when a river changes course due to flooding, thereby shifting property boundaries quickly rather than gradually. Understanding these distinctions reinforces how accretion plays a specific role in land development and ownership.