Which term describes the process of soil being added to a property gradually?

The correct answer is accretion, which refers to the gradual process of soil, sediment, or land being added to a property, typically along the banks of rivers, lakes, or other bodies of water. This natural phenomenon can occur due to the actions of water, such as sediment carried by flowing water and deposited as the water slows. Over time, this accumulation can lead to an increase in the size of the land, enhancing its value and usability.

Understanding accretion is crucial in real estate because it can affect property boundaries and ownership rights. For instance, if a property is adjacent to a water body, any new land formed by accretion can legally become part of the property, potentially altering the dimensions or marketability of the real estate involved.

In contrast, the other terms such as erosion describe the process where land is worn away, deposition involves the laying down of soil and sediments but does not imply an increase in land area, and subsidation typically refers to the sinking or settling of land rather than the addition of soil. Each of these processes impacts land differently, which is why understanding accretion is vital for property owners and real estate professionals in South Carolina.