What term describes the addition of land due to natural processes like wind and water?

The term that describes the addition of land due to natural processes such as wind and water is "accretion." This process occurs when sediment or soil is deposited by natural forces, effectively enlarging the land area along shorelines, riverbanks, or deltas. Over time, as materials accumulate, they can create new landforms or extend existing ones.

Accretion plays a significant role in shaping landscapes and can influence property boundaries in real estate, as legal ownership may alter when land expands through these natural processes. Distinguishing this from erosion, which involves the wearing away of land, or alluvium, which is the sediment itself, clarifies the unique definition and impact of accretion in real estate and land management scenarios. Degradation pertains to the deterioration of land quality, not its expansion. Understanding these concepts is crucial for navigating issues related to land ownership and environmental changes in real estate.