Dragonball laws of physics

This is a very broad question. Can you give some specifics about what you mean?

Like, gravity as a concept exists and seems to be similar to real world physics.

On the other hand, the show uses a lot of cartoon physics (ie for gags, cause and effect can be delayed).
 
Yep, there is some normalcy in the physics, but like GH mentioned, they do some cartoon gag shit.

There are some interesting things I'm curious about... what about raising energy level (to the point where you can visibly see ki surrounding them)... causes the ground to rumble and raise rocks into the air. I love this, btw... just not sure what would cause that sort of effect.
 
There are some interesting things I'm curious about... what about raising energy level (to the point where you can visibly see ki surrounding them)... causes the ground to rumble and raise rocks into the air. I love this, btw... just not sure what would cause that sort of effect.
I think that's latent energy expanding out and around, pushing debris from underneath. If anything, it's just a visual cue to say that he is so powerful that his very aura is disturbing the very environment around.