NCEES Principles and Practice of Surveying Practice Exam

What is meant by the term avulsion in relation to land?

1. Gradual land loss due to erosion

2. A sudden change in land due to water action

3. The creation of land from sediment

4. Natural land subsidence

The correct answer is: A sudden change in land due to water action

Avulsion refers to a sudden and rapid change in land that typically occurs as a result of the action of water, such as during floods or significant storm events. This process can result in the abrupt alteration of a riverbank, the division of land, or the formation of new land parcels. For instance, when a river alters its course suddenly and shifts land from one property to another, this is classified as avulsion. This concept is significant in land law and property rights, as the changes caused by avulsion do not usually lead to a claim of ownership by the person who benefits from the new land; rather, the ownership generally remains with the original landowner. The right of ownership stays with the land where the property was before the event. In contrast, gradual land changes, such as erosion or sediment deposition, occur over longer periods and do not fall under the definition of avulsion. Additionally, phenomena like natural land subsidence do not qualify as avulsion, as they involve sinking or settling of the ground rather than a forceful realignment of land caused by water. Therefore, avulsion is specifically characterized by its sudden nature and significant impact on land due to water action.