What is the process of accretion?

Accretion refers to the gradual increase of land surface as a result of the natural buildup of soil, sediment, or other materials, typically through the actions of water, wind, or natural processes. This process occurs over time, leading to the formation of new land along riverbanks, coastlines, or lake shores as sediment is deposited. In a surveying context, understanding accretion is crucial for determining land boundaries and ownership, especially since changes in land due to natural processes can affect property lines.

The other choices do not accurately define accretion. The sudden loss of land due to natural disasters describes erosion or destructive events rather than the gradual accumulation associated with accretion. Similarly, erosion of riverbanks refers to the removal of soil rather than the addition of land. Lastly, the artificial expansion of land through human activity, such as land reclamation, does not fit the definition of accretion, which is inherently a natural process.