Kovats Real Estate School Practice Test

When the course of a stream is suddenly altered by natural forces, this event is called?

1. Erosion

2. Avulsion

3. Reliction

4. Flooding

The correct answer is: Avulsion

When the course of a stream is suddenly altered by natural forces, this event is referred to as avulsion. Avulsion occurs when a river or stream changes its channel abruptly due to various natural processes such as landslides, earthquakes, or heavy flooding conditions. This can lead to significant changes in the landscape and the flow of water, impacting property boundaries and land ownership in the affected areas. This term is distinct from others related to water movement. Erosion involves the gradual wearing away of land by water, wind, or other natural forces, rather than an abrupt change. Reliction pertains to the gradual recession of water, such as a lake or sea, which leads to exposed land, and flooding refers to an overflow of water onto normally dry land. Each of these terms conveys different aspects of water dynamics and land interaction, but avulsion specifically captures the idea of abrupt and natural redirection of a stream's course.