What is the term for the process of land area increase due to natural soil deposits?

The process of land area increase due to natural soil deposits is known as accretion. This process occurs when sediment is accumulated over time, typically by the action of water, wind, or ice, leading to the gradual buildup of land. Accretion is a natural phenomenon commonly observed along riverbanks, deltas, and coastal areas where sediment is deposited, enhancing the land’s surface area and stability.

Erosion, on the other hand, is the opposite process where land is worn away and diminished due to various natural forces, which is why it does not fit as the correct answer. Segregation generally refers to the separation of different components within a material or population but does not relate to the increase of land area. Developments simply pertain to the construction or improvement of land rather than the natural processes affecting its shape or size.