10.9 Definitions

Avulsion

A sudden and perceptible loss of land by the action of water as by a sudden change in the course of a river.

Accession

An addition to property through the efforts of man or by natural forces.

Alluvion

Increased soil, gravel, or sand on a stream bank resulting from flow or current of the water.

Erosion

The eating away of a coastline or land by the action of water, ice, and/or wind, or wearing away of a surface by corrosion or traffic.

Alluvium

The gradual increase of earth on a shore of an ocean or bank of a stream resulting from the action of the water.

Accretion

The increasing in land area resulting from the deposit of soil by the natural action of the water.

Littoral Rights

The right of a property owner whose land borders on a body of water, such as a lake, ocean or sea, to reasonable use and enjoyment of the shore and water the property borders on.

Air Rights

The rights in real property to the reasonable use of the air space above the surface of the land.

Riparian Rights

The rights of a landowner or land occupier to use flowing water (such as a river) that is adjacent to the land.

Ground Water

Water under the earth's surface, below the saturation point.