What does the process of differentiation in geology refer to?

In geology, differentiation specifically refers to the process by which a planet or other celestial body develops internal layers of varying composition and properties due to factors such as temperature, pressure, and the material's density. This process is crucial to understanding how Earth and other planetary bodies separate into distinct layers, such as the core, mantle, and crust, each with unique characteristics.

As materials within a planet undergo melting or partial melting, denser elements tend to sink toward the center, while lighter materials rise toward the surface. This results in a stratified structure, where each layer has different compositions, often leading to the formation of the planet's geological features. Understanding this internal zoning is essential for interpreting tectonic activity, volcanism, and the overall geological history of a planet.

The options concerning the formation of igneous rocks, sedimentation, and the arrangement of minerals in rocks address different geological processes but do not capture the comprehensive idea of internal layering which is at the heart of geological differentiation.