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− | + | '''Magma''' is red-hot molten rock present in [[volcano]]es, as well as magma pools and magma pipes. It serves as an energy source, powering [[magma forge]]s, [[magma glass furnace]]s and [[magma smelter]]s, which do not "use it up" in any way. It is extremely dangerous. | |
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− | '''Magma''' is red-hot molten rock present in [[volcano]]es, as well as magma pools and magma pipes. It serves as an energy source, powering [[magma forge]]s, [[magma glass furnace]]s | ||
− | Magma never cools, but can [[evaporation|evaporate]] if left at a depth of 1/7 for long | + | Magma never cools, but can [[evaporation|evaporate]] if left at a depth of 1/7 for too long. If mixed with water it can form obsidian (see below). |
− | '''Lava''' is the same substance. Magma is what it is called underground, | + | '''Lava''' is the same substance. Magma is what it is called underground, where Lava is what it is called if it is above ground. <!-- see talk page.--> |
==Magma sources== | ==Magma sources== | ||
− | Magma | + | Magma occurs in three different features; Magma pools, Magma Pipes, and [[Volcano|Volcanoes]]. |
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− | + | * A '''Magma Pool''' is a reservoir of magma that occupies only a few Z-Levels in the mountain, without reaching the surface. Magma Pools can be very small, and may have few suitable locations for buildings that rely on magma. Magma in these pools is limited, and pools will not refill with magma once emptied. | |
− | * A '''[[ | + | |
− | + | * A '''Magma Pipe''' starts at the lowest z-level of the map from a magma (or lava) flow and extend in a pipe shape upwards, sometimes reaching the surface but often not. Magma Pipes gradually refill with magma. | |
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+ | * A [[Volcano]] is similar to a magma pipe, but it has the advantage of being a geographical feature that is visible on the [[location]] screen. This means that it is a lot easier to find. However, it IS actually possible for a volcano that shows up on the "local" and region screen in the starting location chooser to be entirely underground - Although you could see it in the starting location chooser, it would not be visible from the surface once your dwarves have arrived at the fort's site. | ||
== Finding magma == | == Finding magma == | ||
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+ | Volcanoes are visible on the "local" screen in the starting location chooser. It is represented as a red ≈ mark (a double tilde) - essentially it looks like red water. Note that red ≈ marks in the "region" screen mean something different entirely (e.g. red sand). | ||
+ | If you are using a certain [[utility]], you can also see magma pools and magma pipes on the local screen in the embark menu. | ||
+ | After you have embarked for a place that has a volcano, and once your dwarves have arrived at their target destination, you should see a large red pool of lava on your map. If you don't, you should expect your volcano to be somewhere underground. You then have to use [[exploratory mining]] to find it. If you can find a large patch of obsidian on the surface that is devoid of boulders, chances are there is a magma vent below, so that would be a good place to start your mining. | ||
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While picking a starting location, the easiest place to look for magma is on or near a [[volcano]] (a red ^ mark in the "region" screen). There are often volcanic islands (easy to find, since they are the sole land in the middle of oceans), but since sea travel is not yet implemented, trade with other races may not be possible on such islands. Instead, find a volcano on land, and (optionally) start looking for a vent in nearby squares. "Nearby squares" can mean anything from literally on top of the volcano, to adjacent, to quite a long distance away indeed. The placement of magma seems to be related to the distance from volcanoes, but is still essentially random. | While picking a starting location, the easiest place to look for magma is on or near a [[volcano]] (a red ^ mark in the "region" screen). There are often volcanic islands (easy to find, since they are the sole land in the middle of oceans), but since sea travel is not yet implemented, trade with other races may not be possible on such islands. Instead, find a volcano on land, and (optionally) start looking for a vent in nearby squares. "Nearby squares" can mean anything from literally on top of the volcano, to adjacent, to quite a long distance away indeed. The placement of magma seems to be related to the distance from volcanoes, but is still essentially random. | ||
− | Magma | + | Magma vents occur exclusively in world map tiles that are primarily igneous extrusive. That is to say, if you select an entire tile on the embarkation screen and press F1 to highlight the most common terrain, the tile will only have magma if the top stone is dark gray, signifying igneous extrusive rock. Magma does not necessarily form in this geological zone/biome, rather anywhere in the tile. Even if magma is not evident on the surface, it's almost certain to be underground somewhere, though the chances of finding it without reveal.exe are still slim. |
− | Much harder than simply finding magma is finding magma that is also near suitable terrain for building. Depending on your requirements - you may be looking for a source of running [[water]], or a [[mountain]] for minerals, or a healthy [[tree]] population, a layer of [[flux]] for [[steel]] production or even all four - suitable building sites can be extremely scarce. | + | Much harder than simply finding a magma vent is finding a magma vent that is also near suitable terrain for building. Depending on your requirements - you may be looking for a source of running [[water]], or a [[mountain]] for minerals, or a healthy [[tree]] population, a layer of [[flux]] for [[steel]] production or even all four - suitable building sites can be extremely scarce. |
− | Since volcanoes show up on the region finder, and | + | Since volcanoes show up on the region finder, and magma vents do not, you may find it easier to simply check all volcanoes on a map for suitability, and generate a new world if none are suitable, rather than scouring tile after tile for magma vents. |
− | If you're willing to search exhaustively, you might want to consider finding magma that | + | If you're willing to search exhaustively, you might want to consider finding magma vents that are not near volcanoes at all. Very occasionally, magma will be visible in the middle of forests, plains, or other terrain nowhere near a volcano or even mountains. There is no way to spot these on the region map, so you have to review the local maps. This can be done from DF, but since it involves a lot of scrolling and is very tedious, you can try exporting the local map of the world which can be much more quickly searched for the distinctive red ≈ symbol. |
− | You can also occasionally find magma that does not extend all the way to the surface, and therefore is not visible on the local map. These are much more numerous than surface-visible magma vents; however, they are almost impossible to find | + | You can also occasionally find magma that does not extend all the way to the surface, and therefore is not visible on the local map. These are in fact much more numerous than surface-visible magma vents; however, they are almost impossible to find without cheating via one of the [[utilities]] like "reveal.exe", since unlike proper magma vents these smaller deposits must be almost literally mined into to see (you will get a warning about "warm stone" before you actually breach the deposit). These smaller magma deposits appear in the same places as normal magma vents - near volcanoes, or, failing that, near other known magma. |
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+ | The newly-added "Site Finder" feature neatly sidesteps all of this legwork, allowing you to search for a site with a magma pool or pipe without having to manually check each tile on the world map. Note that unless you edit the .init file so that magma features are shown on the local map, you won't know exactly ''where'' the lava is prior to embarking- just that it exists. Depending on whether or not you like a little mystery, this can be turned on or off at will. | ||
== Using magma == | == Using magma == | ||
− | On a map with a magma vent, the magma will be clearly visible from every level ground and below, unless the map is in a Freezing area. In Freezing areas, the top few levels of the vent will have cooled to form an [[obsidian]] "cap". This should still be readily recognizable however, as it will comprise a circular area. | + | On a map with a magma vent, the magma will be clearly visible from every level ground and below, unless the map is in a Freezing area. In Freezing areas, the top few levels of the vent will have cooled to form an [[obsidian]] "cap". This should still be readily recognizable however, as it will comprise a circular area. The minerals directly adjacent to the magma vent will also be immediately visible, even at the lowest level of the map, which can give some hints about where to prospect for ores. |
[[Image:magmacap.png|thumb|188px|Obsidian "magmacap" as seen from ground level]] | [[Image:magmacap.png|thumb|188px|Obsidian "magmacap" as seen from ground level]] | ||
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To build underground, you will need to dig at least one tile of a [[channel]] down from the location you wish to build the smelter or forge. Eventually, flowing into this channel (on that lower z-level immediately below the forge or smelter), there must be magma, either from the pipe/pool itself or channeled from the vent. You can simply build a tunnel straight into the magma (and lose the miner who digs it 99% of the time), or use [[channel]]ing to tap into the magma safely from the level above - this latter requires the lower level to be wider than the upper, to jut out so that last tile can be channeled away from above to free the magma into the tunnel system on that level. | To build underground, you will need to dig at least one tile of a [[channel]] down from the location you wish to build the smelter or forge. Eventually, flowing into this channel (on that lower z-level immediately below the forge or smelter), there must be magma, either from the pipe/pool itself or channeled from the vent. You can simply build a tunnel straight into the magma (and lose the miner who digs it 99% of the time), or use [[channel]]ing to tap into the magma safely from the level above - this latter requires the lower level to be wider than the upper, to jut out so that last tile can be channeled away from above to free the magma into the tunnel system on that level. | ||
− | Tapping into magma directly is usually safe provided that you are prepared for it (see Pressure note below). | + | Tapping into magma directly is usually safe provided that you are prepared for it (see Pressure note below). Magma is much slower than water, and can be stopped by any [[magma-safe]] [[floodgate]], [[door]] or etc. with a [[bauxite]] mechanism. Take care however if you are using a [[screwpump]] to pump magma into a tunnel/funnel with a cistern below - the pump will make the magma overflow as it would with water. |
Volcanoes and magma pipes slowly replenish their supply of magma. A miner with less than Unbelievably Agile will die when breaching a magma tube as he can't move away quick enough. | Volcanoes and magma pipes slowly replenish their supply of magma. A miner with less than Unbelievably Agile will die when breaching a magma tube as he can't move away quick enough. | ||
=== Producing Obsidian === | === Producing Obsidian === | ||
− | Magma can also be used to produce [[ | + | Magma can also be used to produce [[Obsidian]], a stone which can be used to make swords at a [[Craftsdwarf's Workshop]] and which has a base value of 3 (compare with 1 for normal [[stone]] and 2 for [[flux]]). |
See [[Obsidian farming]]. | See [[Obsidian farming]]. | ||
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==Magma flow== | ==Magma flow== | ||
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[[Image:Safemagma.png|thumb|188px|Magma safely diverted underground (cross section)]] | [[Image:Safemagma.png|thumb|188px|Magma safely diverted underground (cross section)]] | ||
− | Magma is a | + | Magma is a chunky liquid and as such will not be affected by pressure under normal circumstances. |
Thus it can be safely passed through tunnels to be used at a lower point in the fortress. | Thus it can be safely passed through tunnels to be used at a lower point in the fortress. | ||
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[[Image:Unsafemagma.png|thumb|188px|Danger: This will overflow (cross section)]] | [[Image:Unsafemagma.png|thumb|188px|Danger: This will overflow (cross section)]] | ||
− | Also note that screw pumps can cause magma to behave oddly. Magma that is emerging pumped from a | + | (v0.28.181.40d:) Also note that screw pumps can cause magma to behave oddly. Magma that is emerging pumped from a screwpump will behave as if pressurized, and be forced upwards to the same level as the pump. However, this only occurs while the pump is actively pumping magma into a tile that is already full. It seems likely that this behavior is a result of code in the pump ignoring what type of fluid is being pumped, causing the pumped fluid to be passed to a connected tile as if pressurized. It may not be desired behavior, and thus may change in subsequent versions. It is possible to use this effect to channel magma from distant source. If you happen to have constructed your fortress very far from the magma source, you can use a screw pump to "pressurize" the magma to force to flow much more quickly. Where unpressurized magma might take years to flow across the map, pressurized magma would just take a few days. |
[[Image:Pumpedmagma.png|thumb|154px|Pumps will cause magma to rise to the level of the pump (cross section)]] | [[Image:Pumpedmagma.png|thumb|154px|Pumps will cause magma to rise to the level of the pump (cross section)]] | ||
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==Magma compared to water== | ==Magma compared to water== | ||
− | Magma is a | + | Magma is a chunky liquid. As such, it acts like water in certain circumstances, but acts differently in others. |
===Similarities=== | ===Similarities=== | ||
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*Objects thrown into magma sink to the bottom. | *Objects thrown into magma sink to the bottom. | ||
*Magma that is only 1 deep "evaporates" over time. | *Magma that is only 1 deep "evaporates" over time. | ||
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===Differences=== | ===Differences=== | ||
*Magma is extremely hot, and capable of melting objects and buildings made of most materials (see [[Magma#Magma vs. built objects|Magma vs. built objects]]) and thus destroying them. | *Magma is extremely hot, and capable of melting objects and buildings made of most materials (see [[Magma#Magma vs. built objects|Magma vs. built objects]]) and thus destroying them. | ||
− | *Magma is not normally pressurized, it seeps out of holes slower than water and slow enough for any [[dwarves]] to outrun, unless they are the ones digging into it | + | *Magma is not normally pressurized, it seeps out of holes slower than water and slow enough for any [[dwarves]] to outrun, unless they are the ones digging into it. |
*Magma only spawns directly above the "Magma Flow" tiles at the bottom of a [[Magma#Magma sources|magma pipe]], and only up to the original top level. Otherwise, its level may rise only by dripping more magma from above, and new magma may only distribute itself by moving down or to the sides, but never up. | *Magma only spawns directly above the "Magma Flow" tiles at the bottom of a [[Magma#Magma sources|magma pipe]], and only up to the original top level. Otherwise, its level may rise only by dripping more magma from above, and new magma may only distribute itself by moving down or to the sides, but never up. | ||
*Magma reacts violently with water, releasing steam and leaving behind tiles of solid obsidian which can be mined, smoothed or engraved like any natural tile. | *Magma reacts violently with water, releasing steam and leaving behind tiles of solid obsidian which can be mined, smoothed or engraved like any natural tile. | ||
*Magma cannot be used to satisfy [[thirst]]. | *Magma cannot be used to satisfy [[thirst]]. | ||
− | * | + | *Magma mist is not generated by falling magma, but only by a [[cave-in]]. |
*Magma mist will not generate happy [[thought]]s, but will instead burn whatever it touches. | *Magma mist will not generate happy [[thought]]s, but will instead burn whatever it touches. | ||
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Some objects that come in contact with magma will function fine, no matter what their material. Others will melt or cease to work properly unless they're made of [[magma-safe materials]]. | Some objects that come in contact with magma will function fine, no matter what their material. Others will melt or cease to work properly unless they're made of [[magma-safe materials]]. | ||
− | * [[Workshop]]s that are powered by magma need | + | * [[Workshop]]s that are powered by magma need not be built of magma-safe materials to function. |
− | * Constructed objects like [[wall]]s, [[floor]]s, [[stairs]] and [[ | + | |
+ | * Constructed objects like [[wall]]s, [[floor]]s, [[stairs]] and [[ramps]] can be made of any material, even those that are not "Magma-safe", and can come into contact with magma without issues. | ||
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* Like walls, [[door]]s can also be built out of any material and still hold back lava as long as it's in the "closed" position. It may be wise to make sure hallways/rooms close to an engineering project involving magma have plenty of doors, just in case you have a little too much [[fun]] when you forget to build that last [[floodgate]]. | * Like walls, [[door]]s can also be built out of any material and still hold back lava as long as it's in the "closed" position. It may be wise to make sure hallways/rooms close to an engineering project involving magma have plenty of doors, just in case you have a little too much [[fun]] when you forget to build that last [[floodgate]]. | ||
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− | + | * [[Bridge]]s that are built <i>over</i> magma may be constructed of any material. However, bridges that are <i>submerged</i> in magma must be constructed of a magma-safe material. | |
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+ | * Most machines must be made of [[magma-safe materials]] to function for more than a few minutes in magma. This includes [[floodgate]]s. Unsafe materials will function for a while, but then burn away. Screw pumps will not melt, but will burn. Stone [[block]]s and [[copper]] [[pipe]]s/[[enormous corkscrew|corkscrews]] will not melt. | ||
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+ | * Stone [[mechanism]]s attached to a construction will melt in magma unless made of bauxite or [[raw adamantine]], even if the construction itself is made of [[steel]]. In addition, if the mechanisms melt off of a floodgate, the floodgate will cease to be "constructed" and become an unplaced item again.{{version|0.27.176.38c}} At this point, the magma will flow over it freely. | ||
== Magma creatures == | == Magma creatures == | ||
− | [[Fire imp]]s, [[fire man|firemen]], [[magma man|magma men]], and [[fire snake]]s inhabit Magma. Fire snakes are a type of [[vermin]] that can set your fortress on [[fire]] with little to no warning. Like all other vermin, they may spawn a short distance outside their native environment, meaning they can appear in any region near a magma pipe, even if the region and magma have no physical connection | + | [[Fire imp]]s, [[fire man|firemen]], [[magma man|magma men]], and [[fire snake]]s inhabit Magma. Fire snakes are a type of [[vermin]] that can set your fortress on [[fire]] with little to no warning. Like all other vermin, they may spawn a short distance outside their native environment, meaning they can appear in any region near a magma pipe, even if the region and magma have no physical connection. |
== Temperature settings == | == Temperature settings == | ||
− | Magma is almost harmless if temperature is disabled in the Dwarf Fortress init file. It can still trap and suffocate or simply starve your dwarves in some situations. It will not melt bridges, etc. constructed of non-[[ | + | Magma is almost harmless if temperature is disabled in the Dwarf Fortress init file. It can still trap and suffocate or simply starve your dwarves in some situations. It will not melt bridges, etc. constructed of non-[[magma-proof]] materials. |
== Magma reactions == | == Magma reactions == | ||
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*[[Brook]]s: If magma comes in contact with a brook, it will not produce steam, but will turn the water tile below the brook to obsidian, and give the brook tile the appearance of a dried-up brook. | *[[Brook]]s: If magma comes in contact with a brook, it will not produce steam, but will turn the water tile below the brook to obsidian, and give the brook tile the appearance of a dried-up brook. | ||
*Rocks: [[stone|Rock]]s left over from mining will melt if magma covers them. During the season change, all molten rock is automatically removed (at the same time as blood/vomit). | *Rocks: [[stone|Rock]]s left over from mining will melt if magma covers them. During the season change, all molten rock is automatically removed (at the same time as blood/vomit). | ||
− | * | + | *Trees: [[Tree]]s will not (yet) burn or be destroyed by magma. |
− | + | *Speed: Magma moves relatively slowly. While it is nearly impossible to try to seal off water let loose, magma is slow enough for your dwarves to build a floodgate or door, or even wall off the flooding area, if you happen to let magma loose by mistake. | |
− | *Pressure: Magma does not transmit [[water pressure|pressure]] | + | *Pressure: Magma does not transmit [[water pressure|pressure]]. |
− | + | *In a volcano or a magma pipe, magma will occasionally appear in small columns above its surface [http://www.bay12games.com/forum/index.php?topic=26201.msg311730#msg311730] if it is below its original level. It will not be created above floors. It will be created in 7s, and will probably spread around in few seconds. This may be deadly to unlucky dwarves standing around. Therefore, to be sure to avoid casualties, do not build workshops except at the highest level of magma. | |
− | *In a volcano or a magma pipe, magma will occasionally appear in small columns above its surface [http://www.bay12games.com/forum/index.php?topic=26201.msg311730#msg311730] if it is below its original level. It will not be created above floors. It will be created in 7s, and will probably spread around in few seconds. This may be deadly to unlucky dwarves standing around. Therefore, to be sure to avoid casualties, do not build workshops | ||
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− | + | [[Category:Physics]] | |
{{Magma FAQ}} | {{Magma FAQ}} |