The process of rocks disintegrating due to natural forces falls under which category?

The process of rocks disintegrating due to natural forces is categorized as weathering. Weathering refers to the breakdown of rocks and minerals through various processes that can be physical, chemical, or biological in nature. Physical weathering involves the mechanical breaking apart of rocks without changing their chemical composition, often due to factors such as temperature changes, freeze-thaw cycles, or pressure release. In contrast, chemical weathering involves alterations in the mineral's structure and composition due to chemical reactions, such as those with water or acids.

Erosion, on the other hand, refers to the movement of weathered materials from one location to another, typically enacted by wind, water, or ice. Metamorphism describes the process where existing rocks change into metamorphic rocks due to extreme pressure and temperature conditions, altering their mineral composition and structure. Dissolution specifically pertains to the process where minerals are dissolved in a solvent, usually water, altering their state rather than just breaking them down physically.

Therefore, the distinction lies in the fact that weathering is primarily about the breakdown of rock materials, while the other processes involve movement, transformation, or the dissolution of those materials.