California Real Estate Practice Exam

By what process does Owner A likely gain land area when the high water mark in the river next to their property permanently recedes?

1. Accretion

2. Erosion

3. Avulsion

4. Reliction

The correct answer is: Reliction

The process by which Owner A gains land area when the high water mark of the river permanently recedes is called reliction. This occurs when water levels drop over time, leading to the exposure of land that was previously underwater. As a result, Owner A effectively gains new land as the river shifts its boundary, and this land can become part of their property. Accretion involves the gradual buildup of land by the deposition of soil or sediment, typically from flowing water, but it does not specifically apply to the situation of a water body receding. Erosion, on the other hand, refers to the wearing away of land, which would not result in gaining land area. Avulsion pertains to a sudden and rapid alteration of land due to events like floods or landslides, which again does not align with the gradual process described in the question.