The enlargement of land which is being gained from the sea and the accumulation of sediment on a flood-plain.
In geology it seems specially appropriate for a distinctive kind of growth of rock-material exemplified by the coral reef: the coral polyp builds its skeleton by ‘secretion’, the reef grows by the ‘accretion’ of these skeletons (and those of associated organisms).
Gradual buildup of land on a shore due to wave action, tides, currents, airborne material, or alluvial deposits.
The process whereby stones or other inorganic masses add to their bulk by adding particles to their surfaces. Also known as aggradation.
See accretion tectonics.
The growth of a precipitation particle by the collision of a frozen particle (ice crystal or snowflake) with a supercooled liquid droplet which freezes upon contact.
Related terms: