What term describes the increase of land due to natural sediment accumulation?

The term that describes the increase of land due to natural sediment accumulation is known as accretion. Accretion occurs when sediment carried by water, wind, or ice is deposited gradually over time, leading to the expansion of land along a shoreline or riverbank. This process is a natural geological phenomenon and can significantly alter landscapes, creating new land areas as sediments are consistently delivered and build up.

In contrast, erosion refers to the process through which land is worn away by natural forces such as water or wind, which is the opposite of land accumulation. Reliction describes the increase of land that occurs when a body of water recedes, exposing previously submerged land, while avulsion involves a sudden change in the course of a river or other water body, which can result in a rapid and often dramatic alteration of the land. Understanding these terms helps clarify the different mechanisms affecting land and waterways in real estate and environmental contexts.