Avulsion Definition and Legal Meaning

On this page, you'll find the legal definition and meaning of Avulsion, written in plain English, along with examples of how it is used.

What is Avulsion?

(n) Avulsion is the change or alterations of the boundaries or landmarks of a property occurred due to a sudden change in the natural existence of the environment at that place. Eg. Change of direction of river flow,2. Receding of sea due to earthquake etc

History and Meaning of Avulsion

Avulsion is a Latin term that translates to "torn away." In legal terms, it refers to the sudden and abrupt removal of land by natural causes, such as flooding, earthquakes, or volcanic eruptions. This means that the boundaries or landmarks of a property can be altered due to a sudden and unforeseen event, and the resulting changes will belong to the original landowners.

Examples of Avulsion

  1. A river suddenly changes its course due to a heavy flood, and a portion of the land on one bank is washed away and deposited on the other bank. The land on the other bank now belongs to the original landowner, as it was acquired through avulsion.

  2. An earthquake causes a coastal area to sink, resulting in the receding of the sea and the emergence of new land. The new land belongs to the original landowner, as it was created by avulsion.

  3. A volcanic eruption causes a sudden landslide that results in the removal of a portion of land. The removed land will belong to the original landowner since it was caused by avulsion.

Legal Terms Similar to Avulsion

  1. Erosion: The gradual removal of land by natural causes, such as water and wind.

  2. Accretion: The gradual accumulation of land by natural causes, such as water and wind.

  3. Reliction: The gradual emergence of land due to the receding of a body of water.