What term describes the exposure of dry land after water levels recede?

The term that describes the exposure of dry land after water levels recede is reliction. This geological process occurs when a body of water, such as a lake or river, decreases in level, revealing previously submerged land. Reliction is significant in real estate and land use, as it can alter property boundaries and access, potentially affecting ownership claims and land usage rights.

Accretion refers to the gradual buildup of land from sediment deposits, while erosion involves the loss of land typically due to natural forces such as water or wind. Annexation pertains to the formal incorporation of land into a political entity, such as a city or state. Understanding these distinctions can help clarify how changes in water levels impact land ownership and usage.