Legal Definitions - alluvio maris

Alluvio Maris

Alluvio maris is a legal term referring to the natural, gradual formation of new land or soil along a coastline due to the deposition of sediment, sand, or other materials by the sea. This process typically occurs slowly over time, adding to existing land or creating new landforms.

• Example 1: Expanding Beachfront Property

  Imagine a homeowner whose property borders the ocean. Over several decades, the consistent action of ocean currents and tides deposits sand and silt along their shoreline, causing the beach in front of their house to gradually widen and extend further into the sea. This newly formed strip of land, naturally accumulated from the ocean, would be legally recognized as alluvio maris, potentially increasing the size of their property.

• Example 2: Formation of a New Coastal Spit

  Consider a coastal area where prevailing ocean currents carry sediment along the shore. Over many years, this sediment might accumulate at a particular point, such as the mouth of a bay, slowly building up to form a long, narrow strip of land that extends into the water. This newly created landform, often called a spit or barrier beach, is an example of alluvio maris, as it originated from marine deposits.

• Example 3: Emergence of a Small Island

  In certain shallow marine environments, a submerged sandbank or reef might, over centuries, gradually accumulate enough marine debris, shells, and sediment carried by ocean currents to eventually rise above the high tide mark. If this accumulation leads to the formation of a new, permanent small island that was previously underwater, this natural emergence of land from the sea would be considered alluvio maris.