Which term describes the sudden removal of land by water?

The term that describes the sudden removal of land by water is avulsion. Avulsion occurs when a significant and rapid change of land occurs due to natural forces, specifically when water, such as from a flood or storm, suddenly alters the boundaries of a property by washing away soil or land. This can result in a dramatic shift in the landscape, impacting land ownership and property rights.

Understanding avulsion is important in real estate since it can determine legal ownership when land is lost to natural events. Unlike gradual processes such as erosion, which slowly wears away soil over time, avulsion is characterized by its abrupt nature, leading to immediate effects on land use and property boundaries. This distinction is crucial in real estate law and property management.