Which definition best describes 'accretion'?

Accretion refers to the gradual increase of land, usually along a shoreline, due to natural processes such as the deposition of sediment. This process can occur as a result of various natural events, such as river flooding, which brings sediment to the area, or ocean currents that deposit materials along coastlines. The key aspect of accretion is that it adds land over time, contrasting with the idea of erosion, which involves the loss of land. In legal and real estate contexts, particularly concerning property boundaries and land ownership, understanding accretion is essential, as it can affect land title and property rights. Thus, the definition that accurately describes 'accretion' is the addition of land through natural processes, capturing the essence of how land is formed and expanded in a natural setting.