What term refers to land that increases in size due to natural deposits?

The term that refers to land that increases in size due to natural deposits is accretion. Accretion occurs when water bodies, such as rivers or lakes, deposit sediment gradually along their banks over time, leading to an expansion of the land area. This process is part of the broader concept of land formation and is significant in property law, as it can affect ownership rights.

In contrast, erosion is the process where land is worn away and reduced in size, primarily due to natural forces like wind or water. Alluvion pertains to the soil or sediment deposited by flowing water, but it does not specifically denote an increase in land size. Avulsion refers to a sudden change in land caused by events like floods or landslides, where land may be rapidly lost or gained, contrasting with the gradual nature of accretion.