Colorado Land Surveyor Practice Exam

What does "alluvion" refer to in land surveying?

1. The increased elevation of a land parcel

2. The gradual deposit of soil by water action

3. The process of land development along rivers

4. The division of land into zones for farming

The correct answer is: The gradual deposit of soil by water action

Alluvion refers specifically to the gradual accumulation of soil and sediment that is deposited by the natural movement of water, such as rivers or streams. This process can lead to the expansion of land over time as the sediment builds up along riverbanks or in floodplains. In land surveying, understanding alluvion is crucial because it can affect property boundaries and ownership rights, especially in areas where land is formed or changed by water. The other options pertain to related concepts but do not accurately reflect the specific definition of alluvion. The increased elevation of a land parcel does not specifically describe the action of sediment deposition. The process of land development along rivers is broader and involves various human and natural factors rather than just sediment deposition. Finally, the division of land into zones for farming relates to land use planning rather than the natural processes that create or alter land through sediment accumulation.