What term describes the slow and imperceptible recession of water that permanently uncovers previously submerged land?

Reliction is the term that specifically refers to the gradual and imperceptible process in which water recedes, revealing land that was once submerged. This process typically occurs due to natural changes in water levels, such as during droughts or sediment deposition that alters the water's capacity.

In the context of land law and rights, reliction can affect property ownership since the newly exposed land may belong to the owner of the waterfront property, allowing them to expand their property boundaries. Understanding this term is crucial for surveyors and landowners alike, as it helps clarify property rights when it comes to changes in land due to shifting water bodies.

Other terms, though related to land and water interaction, describe different processes. Alluvium refers to sediment deposited by flowing water, and accretion involves the gradual accumulation of land by natural forces, often leading to property rights issues as well. Erosion describes the process of land being worn away, typically by water, wind, or ice, which is distinct from the uncovering process associated with reliction.