In physical geography, the slow natural process by which rocks are broken down and soil is gradually formed is called what?

Introduction / Context:
Soil is one of the most important natural resources because it supports plant growth and agriculture. However, soil does not appear suddenly; it forms slowly over long periods as rocks break down under various physical, chemical, and biological influences. Geography and environmental science questions often ask for the name of this basic process of soil formation.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The focus is on the process that leads from solid rock to loose soil.
• We assume natural, long term changes, not human activities like ploughing.
• Options include weathering, filtration, vegetation, and other processes.
• We use standard physical geography terminology.

Concept / Approach:
Weathering is the process by which rocks are broken down into smaller particles at or near Earth's surface. It can be physical (mechanical), chemical, or biological. Over time, these small rock fragments mix with organic matter from decaying plants and animals to form soil. Filtration and irrigation describe water movement, while vegetation refers to plant cover, which may assist soil formation but is not itself the core process of breaking down rock.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall the definition of weathering as the breakdown of rocks into smaller pieces without transportation.Step 2: Understand that soil forms when these rock fragments accumulate and mix with humus (organic matter).Step 3: Evaluate option B, weathering and disintegration of rocks, which correctly matches the process described.Step 4: Option A, filtration, refers to water passing through a medium and is more related to water purification or movement through soil.Step 5: Option C, vegetation, is a factor that can accelerate weathering and contribute organic matter but is not the central rock breaking process itself.

Verification / Alternative check:
Geography textbooks describe soil as the end product of weathering of rocks combined with organic material. They list factors influencing soil formation such as parent rock, climate, organisms, topography, and time, but emphasise weathering as the starting point. Diagrams of the rock cycle also show weathering as the step that produces sediment and soil from solid rock, confirming that weathering is the correct term.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option A, filtration, deals with water passing through soil or filters and is not responsible for rock breakdown. Option C, vegetation, contributes to soil quality and may assist mechanical or biological weathering, but the question asks specifically for the process of soil formation from rocks. Option D, calicing, is not a standard term in basic geography and therefore is inappropriate here. Option E, irrigation, refers to artificial application of water to fields and does not create soil from rock.

Common Pitfalls:
Some learners confuse weathering with erosion. Weathering is the breakdown of rocks in place, while erosion is the movement of weathered material by wind, water, or ice. Remembering that soil tends to form where weathered material accumulates, even without much transport, helps to keep the distinction clear and select weathering as the central process in this question.

Final Answer:
The process of soil formation from rock is called Weathering and disintegration of rocks.