Legal Definitions - erosion

Erosion refers to the slow and gradual process by which land, particularly soil along a coastline or riverbank, is worn away and carried off by natural forces such as water currents, tides, or wind. This process results in a reduction of the land area over time.

Here are some examples to illustrate the concept of erosion:

• Coastal Property Loss: Imagine a family who owns a beach house situated on a sandy bluff overlooking the ocean. Over many years, the relentless pounding of ocean waves and the regular ebb and flow of tides have slowly but steadily eaten away at the base of the bluff. As a result, the edge of their property line has gradually moved further inland, reducing the overall size of their lot and bringing their home closer to the water.

  This situation demonstrates erosion because the land belonging to the family is being progressively worn away and removed by natural elements (ocean waves and tides), leading to a measurable loss of their property.

• Riverbank Diminishment: Consider a vineyard located alongside a wide, meandering river. Each year, especially during periods of heavy rainfall or snowmelt, the increased volume and speed of the river's current slowly undercut and wash away portions of the riverbank. Over several decades, the vineyard owner notices that the river has encroached further into their fields, causing them to lose a strip of valuable grape-growing land.

  This example illustrates erosion as the river's natural currents are gradually and continuously removing soil from the vineyard's land, thereby diminishing its total area.