What is the term for the growth in size or increase in amount due to river deposits?

The term that defines the growth in size or increase in amount resulting from river deposits is "accretion." This process refers specifically to the gradual accumulation of sediment or soil, which happens when a river deposits materials along its banks or onto floodplains. Over time, these deposits build up and can expand the land area, particularly in areas close to rivers, lakes, or other bodies of water.

Accretion occurs in environments where sediment from flowing water can settle and accumulate. This is a natural process crucial for the formation of deltas and other land formations adjacent to water bodies. Understanding this term is essential for surveyors as it can influence land boundaries and property rights, especially in relation to bodies of water.

Other terms such as "alluvion" and "avulsion" relate to land changes caused by bodies of water but have different meanings. Alluvion refers to the material deposited, while avulsion describes a sudden separation of land due to water actions. Erosion, on the other hand, deals with the removal of soil and sediment, which is the opposite of what accretion entails.