What occurs when land is lost suddenly, such as due to severe flooding?

When land is lost suddenly, such as due to severe flooding, the phenomenon is referred to as avulsion. Avulsion is a legal term that describes the rapid removal or addition of land due to natural forces like water, which can result in substantial changes to property boundaries. This occurs in contrast to gradual erosion, where land loss happens slowly over time, often caused by water, wind, or ice wearing away the soil.

In the context of avulsion, if a river swells and causes a considerable section of land to wash away in a single event, the remaining property boundaries may shift significantly and suddenly. The land that is lost can create legal complexities regarding ownership and property lines, especially when it comes to rights concerning the newly formed land or adjacent properties.

Understanding avulsion is critical in real estate and property law, especially for title insurance producers, as it helps them navigate the implications for property rights and any insurances that may need to be in consideration for the affected lands.