What defines 'avulsion' in land surveying?

Avulsion is defined in land surveying as the sudden loss of land due to natural forces, such as flooding, erosion, or changes in water courses. This process contrasts with gradual erosion, where land diminishes over time. In the case of avulsion, the change happens rapidly, often resulting from sudden and extreme weather events or other natural processes. For instance, a river may change its course during a flood, instantly altering property boundaries and land ownership.

While gradual loss of soil, formation of new geological features, and creation of wetlands may involve land changes, they do not capture the essence of avulsion. Gradual processes are more about slow changes, and the last two options focus on distinct geological or ecological phenomena rather than the specific land loss characteristic of avulsion. Understanding this concept is crucial in land surveying, as it can impact legal rights and land ownership in cases of real estate transactions and boundary determinations.