What term describes the sudden tearing away of land by natural forces?

The term that describes the sudden tearing away of land by natural forces is avulsion. This process occurs when events such as floods, landslides, or earthquakes abruptly change the course of rivers or the boundaries of land. Unlike erosion, which is a gradual process of wearing away land over time, avulsion refers specifically to rapid changes that can result in the displacement of land ownership and alterations in property boundaries.

In contexts of land use and property law, avulsion has significant implications, as it can affect legal ownership and claims to land, especially when a natural event drastically changes the landscape. Understanding this term is crucial for anyone involved in real estate or land management, as it directly relates to how property legalities can shift following natural disasters.