What term refers to the gradual loss of land over time?

The term that refers to the gradual loss of land over time is erosion. Erosion is a natural process that involves the wearing away of land by wind, water, ice, or other geological factors. It can occur gradually and can lead to significant changes in the landscape as soil and rock are carried away from one location and deposited in another. Understanding erosion is crucial in real estate and land management because it can affect property boundaries, land usability, and environmental conditions.

Accretion, in contrast, refers to the gradual increase of land, typically through the deposition of sediment by water. Severance involves separating a portion of property from a larger whole. Avulsion refers to the sudden loss of land due to natural events, such as flooding or landslides, rather than a gradual process. This clarification of terms helps reinforce the understanding of land use changes and legal considerations in real estate.