Which of the following refers to a gradual increase in land area?

The term that refers to a gradual increase in land area is known as accretion. This process occurs when land becomes larger due to natural forces, particularly through the deposition of sediment by water. For instance, rivers can carry sediment downstream and gradually build up new land along their banks, contributing to the expansion of that area over time.

In the context of property law, understanding accretion is important as it can impact land ownership. When land is increased naturally through this process, the new land typically becomes part of the adjoining property.

Avulsion refers to the rapid loss or gain of land which occurs suddenly due to events like flooding or land sliding, rather than a gradual process. Erosion, on the other hand, involves the gradual wearing away of land, leading to a decrease in land area rather than an increase. Reliction pertains to the gradual withdrawal of water, which can expose new land but differs from the active deposition process described by accretion.