Erosion and accretion are opposing processes that describe changes in land area along shorelines or water courses.
Key Differences Between Erosion and Accretion
| Feature | Erosion | Accretion |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Gradual washing away of land. | Gradual increase of land. |
| Process | Land is lost due to natural forces. | Land is gained due to natural forces. |
| Materials | Materials (soil, sand, etc.) are removed. | Materials (soil, sand, etc.) are deposited. |
| Location | Shorelines, riverbanks. | Shorelines, riverbanks. |
As the reference states, erosion is "the gradual washing away of land along the shoreline." Conversely, accretion "applies to the gradual increase or acquisition of land by the action of natural forces washing up sand, soil or silt from the water course or seashore" (21-Jun-2012).
In essence, erosion is the loss of land, while accretion is the gain of land, both occurring through natural processes.
