What is "Avulsion" in land survey practice?

"Avulsion" refers specifically to the sudden removal of land by water, typically due to a natural event such as a flood or erosion. In the context of land surveying and property rights, this phenomenon can significantly affect boundaries. For example, if a river suddenly changes its course and takes away a portion of land from one property owner, that event is classified as avulsion. This is distinct from other processes, such as erosion or accretion, where land changes occur gradually. Understanding avulsion is crucial in land survey practice, especially when determining property lines and ownership after such unpredictable changes in the landscape.