Pore-scale Processes in Geomaterials Research Group (PProGRess)

The Pore-scale Processes in Geomaterials Research group (PProGRess) is a dynamic group that investigates chemical, physical and biological processes in porous geomaterials. These processes include the weathering of building stones, crystallization of ice, salts and mineral phases inside porous media, dissolution of minerals by environmental impact and the behavior of fluids inside porous geological materials. The research finds applications in both the subsurface and in rocks used as (building) materials, mainly in the context of the environment. In the subsoil PProGRess mainly studies processes in geological reservoirs and aquifers. Above ground the focus is on the use and conservation of natural stone in cultural heritage and what the interaction is with our atmosphere in a context of climate change.

Since these processes take place on different scales, the group specializes in non-destructive 3D imaging of rocks. By combining non-destructive research techniques, PProGRess characterizes petrophysical properties of geomaterials and processes on the sub(micron) scale. One of the most important experimental techniques that PProGRess is using to investigate pore-scale processes is ‘X-ray micro-CT’, a high resolution version of the well-known CT or CAT scanners. PProGRess is part of the Ghent University Centre for X-Ray Tomography (UGCT) and of the department of Geology at Ghent University.