Clay is commonly formed by the chemical weathering of silicate minerals such as feldspar.
When rocks are exposed to water and atmospheric conditions for a long time, water reacts chemically with minerals.
This chemical reaction with water is called:
\[
\text{Hydrolysis}.
\]
In hydrolysis, water breaks down the original mineral structure and forms new clay minerals.
For example, feldspar can be altered into kaolinite clay mineral through hydrolysis.
Lithification means conversion of loose sediments into solid rocks.
Cementation is the binding of sediments by mineral cement.
Calcination means heating a substance strongly in limited or no air.
Therefore, the process of clay formation due to prolonged exposure to water and atmosphere is:
\[
\text{Hydrolysis}.
\]