The options provided refer to various processes that can affect rocks. To understand which process does not lead to the physical disintegration of rocks, let's explore each one clearly.
Expansion and contraction of rock minerals: This process refers to changes in the size of rock minerals due to temperature fluctuations. When minerals heat up, they expand, and when they cool down, they contract. Over time, this can cause the rock to crack and break apart. Therefore, this process does cause physical disintegration.
Formation of cracks and crevices in the rocks: This directly involves the breaking apart of rocks into smaller pieces due to the creation of openings or splits. Hence, it leads to physical disintegration.
Heating and cooling of rock surface: Rocks on the Earth's surface undergo cycles of heating during the day and cooling at night. These temperature variations cause the rock to expand and contract, similar to the effect on the rock minerals, eventually leading to cracking and breaking apart. Thus, this also causes physical disintegration.
Rapid cooling and solidification of rocks: This process typically refers to how molten rock (magma or lava) cools and hardens to form solid rock. When it cools rapidly, it solidifies quickly and forms a hard structure. This process does not involve breaking apart or physical disintegration of existing rock structures. Rather, it is about the formation of new rock. Therefore, this process does not result in the physical disintegration of rocks.
In conclusion, the process that does not lead to the physical disintegration of rock is the rapid cooling and solidification of rocks.