Fundamentals of Surveying (FS) Practice Exam

What is reliction?

1. The gradual rise of water levels

2. The sudden shift of a river's path

3. The gradual withdrawal of water leaving land uncovered

4. The solidification of sediment into land

The correct answer is: The gradual withdrawal of water leaving land uncovered

Reliction refers to the process where water gradually recedes or withdraws from a particular area, leading to the emergence of previously submerged land. This process can occur due to natural factors such as drought, sediment deposition, or changes in the river's course. As the water level decreases, land that was formerly underwater becomes exposed, allowing for potential land use or development. This concept is significant in legal and environmental contexts, particularly for property rights along bodies of water. Understanding reliction is important for surveyors dealing with boundary issues that arise from changes in water levels and the associated land they might impact. The other aspects of the question relate to different hydrological or geological processes, which do not capture the essence of reliction as it specifically pertains to the exposure of land due to water withdrawal.