What do we call the natural process of rock disintegration due to weather phenomena?

The natural process of rock disintegration due to weather phenomena is known as weathering. This process involves the breaking down of rocks and minerals as they are exposed to environmental conditions such as temperature changes, water, ice, and biological activity. Weathering can be classified into two main types: physical weathering, where rocks are broken into smaller pieces without changing their chemical composition, and chemical weathering, which involves changes to the minerals within the rocks due to reactions with water and atmospheric gases.

This process is crucial in shaping landscapes and contributing to soil formation, as it gradually alters the rock material into finer particles. Other options like uplift refer to geological processes that raise the Earth's surface, glaciation involves the movement of glaciers which may also cause physical weathering, and settlement typically refers to the downward movement of the ground due to various factors, not directly associated with weather phenomena and rock disintegration.