What happens when erosion occurs?

When erosion occurs, the mean high water mark can move. Erosion, particularly along coastlines or riverbanks, is a natural process where soil and sediment are worn away by wind, water, or ice. As these materials are removed, the land itself may decrease in size, causing the area of land that is considered "above water" to shift. Consequently, the mean high water mark, which is the average level reached by high tides or floodwaters, adjusts accordingly, potentially leading to changes in property boundaries.

This movement of the mean high water mark can impact property ownership rights, as it may result in land being lost to the water. In jurisdictions where property rights extend to the mean high water mark, an advancing water line due to erosion can lead to legal complexities regarding land ownership.

The other options reflect situations that do not accurately relate to the process of erosion. For example, the mean high water mark does not remain fixed during erosion, property value does not necessarily increase due to erosion, and erosion does not directly render property non-navigable. Instead, navigating bodies of water can be affected by erosion depending on the changes in shape or depth caused by the erosion process.