Texas Surveyors Practice Exam

Which condition defines the gradual eating away of land?

1. Accretion

2. Erosion

3. Avulsion

4. Reliction

The correct answer is: Erosion

Erosion is defined as the gradual wearing away of land due to various natural forces such as wind, water, and ice. This process entails the removal of soil and rock from one location and their subsequent deposition in another, often leading to significant changes in the landscape over time. It is a critical concept in surveying and land management, as it can affect property boundaries and land use. Accretion refers to the gradual addition of sediment to land, typically caused by the movement of water. Avulsion is the sudden change in land configuration, often through natural disasters, which can alter property boundaries. Reliction involves the gradual receding of water, exposing new land. While these terms relate to land change, erosion specifically identifies the process of land being worn away, making it the correct choice.