What is the definition of avulsion in relation to property?

Avulsion refers to the sudden loss of land as a result of natural forces, particularly through the action of water, such as flooding or erosion. This phenomenon occurs when bodies of water shift course abruptly, which can lead to a significant change in property boundaries. The definition highlights the dramatic nature of avulsion, contrasting it with more gradual processes like erosion or sediment deposition.

In the context of property law, understanding avulsion is crucial because it affects land ownership and property rights. When land is lost suddenly due to avulsion, property owners may need to consider legal implications regarding their remaining land and how boundaries have changed.

The other choices might seem plausible but do not capture the essence of avulsion. The sudden addition of land by water (the first option) actually describes accretion rather than avulsion. The gradual recession of water revealing land (the second option) pertains to erosion, which is a slower process. A limitation on a property title (the fourth choice) does not relate to physical changes in land due to water action, thus making it unrelated to the topic of avulsion.