Which property term is associated with the gradual accumulation of land due to natural forces?

The term that describes the gradual accumulation of land as a result of natural forces is accretion. In the context of property law, accretion refers to the process by which land is added to an existing property, typically through the deposition of soil or sediment by water. This can occur along riverbanks, lakeshores, or coastal areas, where water flow gradually deposits materials that build up land over time.

Understanding accretion is important for property owners, especially those near bodies of water, as it can affect property boundaries and ownership rights. Land gained through accretion typically becomes the property of the landowner whose property borders the newly formed land. This principle helps clarify ownership issues in situations where natural processes alter land boundaries.

The other terms, while related to land and property, denote different concepts: restoration pertains to returning land or property to its original condition; encroachment involves an intrusion onto another person's property; and erosion refers to the gradual wearing away of land, which is the opposite of accretion. Therefore, accretion is the correct term related to the natural accumulation of land.