Property Ownership

What is 'accretion' in Delaware waterfront property law?

AThe gradual loss of land along a Delaware shoreline due to water erosion
BThe gradual addition of land to a property through the natural deposit of soil by water action — the new land belongs to the waterfront property owner✓ Correct
CThe government's acquisition of waterfront property for public beach access
DThe process of filling wetlands to create new developable land

Explanation

Accretion is the gradual, imperceptible addition of land to a property through natural deposition of soil (alluvion) by water. The new land belongs to the waterfront property owner. The opposite — avulsion (sudden loss of land) and erosion (gradual loss) — are also relevant for Delaware's extensive waterfront and coastal properties. Sea level rise makes these concepts increasingly important.

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