Dissolution, precipitation, and chemical reactions between fluids and
solids can slowly change the structure and composition of
rocks-sometimes opening new pathways for fluid flow, and other times
blocking existing ones. This creates a two-way feedback: the flowing
fluid shapes the rock, and the evolving rock structure, in turn,
affects how the fluid moves. These coupled processes play a key role
in shaping porous materials over long timescales.

To investigate this dynamic interplay between flow, transport, and
reaction, we use a numerical model in which the porous medium is
represented as a network of interconnected pipes, with their diameters
evolving locally in response to reactant consumption. This setup
allows us to explore various growth regimes, ranging from uniform
transformation of the solid matrix to spontaneous channel formation.
Remarkably, even when the precipitated phase has a larger molar volume
than the dissolved one, the system can remain permeable thanks to the
continuous creation of new flow paths. Our results highlight how
coupled dissolution-precipitation processes can lead to self-organized
structures that sustain transport despite the risk of clogging. These
insights are particularly relevant for applications such as mineral
carbonation, where maintaining permeability is crucial for long-term
effectiveness.