Erosion

Definition: Erosion is the wearing away and movement of soil or land by natural forces such as water or wind. In basic waterfront-property study comparisons, it describes gradual loss of land.

Example

Flowing water slowly carries soil away from a riverbank over a period of years.

Keep the distinction clear

Compare erosion (land lost) with accretion (land added). A sudden, noticeable change from an event such as a flood is distinguished as avulsion in real estate study questions. Do not infer a legal boundary solely from a photo of shoreline change.

Related terms

Accretion · Freehold Estate

Keep studying

DEEP C: The Bundle of Property Rights

References: Florida DEP: flooding and erosion

Pronunciation (US): ih-ROH-zhun (capitals show stress)

Pronunciation reference: Merriam-Webster