What process involves the bending of rock layers due to stress?

The process that involves the bending of rock layers due to stress is folding. This occurs when tectonic forces act on rocks, causing them to bend rather than break. Under sufficient pressure and temperature, rock layers can deform plastically, leading to the formation of folds, which can be seen in various geological structures such as anticlines (upward folds) and synclines (downward folds). This phenomenon is distinct from faulting, which refers to the fracturing and displacement of rock layers. Uplift specifically relates to the vertical elevation of rock layers, while rock formation encompasses the broader process of how various types of rocks develop, including igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic. Folding specifically highlights the deformation aspect due to applied stress, marking it as the correct answer.