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Difference between revisions of "Ocean"

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  {{av}}
 
  {{av}}
  
An '''ocean''' is an immense volume of [[Water#Salt_Water|saltwater]]. They are often bordered by [[sand|sandy beaches]] where [[driftwood]] can be found. [[Marsh]]es and [[swamp]]s also tend to form around oceanic coastlines, especially near [[river]]s. The land surrounding oceans also tends to have a high water table, resulting in [[aquifer]]s close to the surface.
+
An '''ocean''' is an immense volume of [[Water#Salt water|salt water]]. They are often bordered by [[sand|sandy beaches]] where [[driftwood]] can be found. [[Marsh]]es and [[swamp]]s also tend to form around oceanic coastlines, especially near [[river]]s. The land surrounding oceans also tends to have a high water table, resulting in [[aquifer]]s close to the surface.
  
 
It is not possible to found a fort solely in an oceanic biome; some land is needed.
 
It is not possible to found a fort solely in an oceanic biome; some land is needed.
 +
 +
Oceans are an excellent source of [[Creature#Aquatic|food]] for a new fortress, usually having tons of fish, and containing shell-bearing creatures like [[oyster]]s and [[mussel]]s. But sometimes when you embark on a coast you might have messages of 'there is nothing to catch in blah blah blah'. If this happens you will never be able to fish in the ocean in that area so it is suggested you embark on a different area or create a new map so you can fish.
  
 
There are three varieties of oceans, based on temperature, which affects the sea life found there: Arctic, Temperate and Tropical. Oceans in a [[freezing]] climate (usually Arctic oceans) will freeze, just like [[river]]s and [[pool]]s, acting like a [[glacier]].
 
There are three varieties of oceans, based on temperature, which affects the sea life found there: Arctic, Temperate and Tropical. Oceans in a [[freezing]] climate (usually Arctic oceans) will freeze, just like [[river]]s and [[pool]]s, acting like a [[glacier]].
  
== Ocean Waves ==
+
== Ocean waves ==
 
 
 
Waves will periodically wash over the coast. The tiles will not get wet. However, if a wave washes over a staircase, the floors below it will be slowly flooded. Cavern moss will not grow in the mud left by salt water. The waves move over all natural tiles, and seem to move independently of constructed tiles like walls and floors. Be mindful not to carve away natural walls and allow tide to enter your fort, and cause excess slowdown. Sea walls can be built to block waves and protect beach areas, but need to be completely closed off to be effective. Waves also have a tendency to move items left on the beach, so it is inadvisable to place stockpiles too close to the shore -- also beware that this effect means that dwarves can be knocked unconscious if hit by driftwood washed in from waves.
 
Waves will periodically wash over the coast. The tiles will not get wet. However, if a wave washes over a staircase, the floors below it will be slowly flooded. Cavern moss will not grow in the mud left by salt water. The waves move over all natural tiles, and seem to move independently of constructed tiles like walls and floors. Be mindful not to carve away natural walls and allow tide to enter your fort, and cause excess slowdown. Sea walls can be built to block waves and protect beach areas, but need to be completely closed off to be effective. Waves also have a tendency to move items left on the beach, so it is inadvisable to place stockpiles too close to the shore -- also beware that this effect means that dwarves can be knocked unconscious if hit by driftwood washed in from waves.
  
 
Since ocean waves do not actually move the water in the tiles below them, they do not create [[flow]]. Thus, waves ''cannot'' power a [[water wheel]], making tidal energy generation much more difficult.
 
Since ocean waves do not actually move the water in the tiles below them, they do not create [[flow]]. Thus, waves ''cannot'' power a [[water wheel]], making tidal energy generation much more difficult.
  
In [[adventure mode]] being pushed by ocean waves occasionally increases swimming skill without risk of drowning.
+
In [[adventure mode]] being pushed by ocean waves occasionally increases [[swimming]] skill without the risk of drowning.
  
 
== Ocean floor geology ==
 
== Ocean floor geology ==
 
 
The ocean floor will be made up of entire layers, or combinations of the following:
 
The ocean floor will be made up of entire layers, or combinations of the following:
 
* A [[sedimentary layer]] of [[conglomerate]], [[limestone]], [[sandstone]], or [[shale]]  
 
* A [[sedimentary layer]] of [[conglomerate]], [[limestone]], [[sandstone]], or [[shale]]  
Line 23: Line 23:
 
* [[Sand]] of any variety, often in small patches alongside the sedimentary or soil layers
 
* [[Sand]] of any variety, often in small patches alongside the sedimentary or soil layers
  
Most of these layers also support [[aquifer]]s, which are usually [[Water#Salt_Water|saltwater]] like the surrounding ocean, making the extraction of these materials rather difficult in [[fortress mode]]. Limestone is a notable exception, making it ideal for excavation from below since it is also a [[flux]] material.
+
Most of these layers also support [[aquifer]]s, which are saltwater like the surrounding ocean, making the extraction of these materials rather difficult in [[fortress mode]]. Limestone is a notable exception, making it ideal for excavation from below since it is also a [[flux]] material.
  
 
== Resources ==
 
== Resources ==
Almost all tiles next to oceans have [[aquifer]]s, which require fairly complicated schemes to sidestep. In addition oceans are salt water resources, requiring desalination with a [[screw pump]] into a [[cistern]] to use for drinking. On the other hand you have an inexhaustible source of water for fishing, drowning chambers, and so forth, as well as a spawning point for some very big and very meat-profitable [[creature]]s: [[Sperm whale|whale]]s, [[orca]]s, and the like.
+
Almost all tiles next to oceans have aquifers, which require fairly complicated schemes to sidestep. In addition oceans are salt water resources, requiring desalination with a [[screw pump]] into a [[cistern]] to use for drinking. On the other hand you have an inexhaustible source of water for fishing, drowning chambers, and so forth, as well as a spawning point for some very big and very meat-profitable [[creature]]s: [[Sperm whale]]s, [[orca]]s, and the like.
 
 
== Fauna ==
 
 
 
Oceans are an excellent source of [[Creature#Aquatic|food]] for a new fortress, usually having tons of fish, and containing shell-bearing creatures like [[oyster|oysters]] and [[mussel|mussels]]. But sometimes when you embark on a coast you might have messages of 'there is nothing to catch in blah blah blah'. If this happens you will never be able to fish in the ocean in that area so it is suggested you embark on a different area or create a new map so you can fish.
 
 
 
[[Sea monster]]s can be found in [[Surroundings#Evil|evil]] oceans, while [[merperson|merpeople]] can be observed in [[Surroundings#Good|good]] ones and [[sea serpent]]s inhabit [[Surroundings#Savage|savage]] ones.
 
 
 
=== Arctic Ocean ===
 
Note that, in an Arctic Ocean with a completely [[Climate#Freezing|freezing]] climate, none of the Vermin or the underwater Creatures will be present. This pretty much leaves walruses, the three varieties of penguins, and the three types of seals since they are able to move about on land.
 
 
 
Creatures
 
 
 
* [[Blue shark]]
 
* [[Bluefin tuna]]
 
* [[Cod]]
 
* [[Conger eel]]
 
* [[Elephant seal]]
 
* [[Emperor penguin]]
 
* [[Frill shark]]
 
* [[Halibut]]
 
* [[Harp seal]]
 
* [[Leopard seal]]
 
* [[Little penguin]]
 
* [[Penguin]]
 
* [[Sea lamprey]]
 
* [[Sea serpent]]
 
* [[Sturgeon]]
 
* [[Walrus]]
 
* [[Sperm whale]]
 
 
 
Vermin
 
 
 
* [[Hagfish]]
 
* [[Hake]]
 
* [[Herring]]
 
* [[Mackerel]]
 
* [[Mussel]]
 
* [[Oyster]]
 
* [[Shad]]
 
* [[Sole]]
 
* [[Steelhead trout]]
 
 
 
=== Temperate Ocean ===
 
 
 
Creatures
 
 
 
* [[Angelshark]]
 
* [[Basking shark]]
 
* [[Blue shark]]
 
* [[Bluefin tuna]]
 
* [[Bluefish]]
 
* [[Cod]]
 
* [[Common skate]]
 
* [[Conger eel]]
 
* [[Frill shark]]
 
* [[Great white shark]]
 
* [[Halibut]]
 
* [[Hammerhead shark]]
 
* [[Longfin mako shark]]
 
* [[Marlin]]
 
* [[Nurse shark]]
 
* [[Ocean sunfish]]
 
* [[Opah]]
 
* [[Sea serpent]]
 
* [[Sea lamprey]]
 
* [[Shortfin mako shark]]
 
* [[Spiny dogfish]]
 
* [[Spotted wobbegong]]
 
* [[Sturgeon]]
 
* [[Swordfish]]
 
* [[Sperm whale]]
 
 
 
Vermin
 
  
* [[Anchovy]]
+
== Wildlife ==
* [[Bat ray]]
+
In Arctic oceans with [[Climate#Freezing|freezing]] climate, none of the aquatic vermin or creatures will be present when the water freezes over. This leaves only terrestrial and amphibious animals to appear because they are able to live on land.
* [[Brook lamprey]]
 
* [[Flounder]]
 
* [[Hagfish]]
 
* [[Hake]]
 
* [[Herring]]
 
* [[Mackerel]]
 
* [[Mussel]]
 
* [[Oyster]]
 
* [[Salmon]]
 
* [[Sea nettle jellyfish]]
 
* [[Seahorse]]
 
* [[Shad]]
 
* [[Sole]]
 
* [[Spotted ratfish]]
 
* [[Steelhead trout]]
 
* [[Thornback ray]]
 
  
 +
=== Creatures ===
 +
{| class="wikitable"
 +
! Name
 +
! Arctic ocean !! Temperate ocean !! Tropical ocean
 +
|-
 +
| {{Tile|a|7:1}} [[Albatross]]
 +
| X || X || X
 +
|-
 +
| {{Tile|s|6:0}} [[Angelshark]]
 +
|  || X || X
 +
|-
 +
| {{Tile|S|7:0}} [[Basking shark]]
 +
|  || X ||
 +
|-
 +
| {{Tile|s|0:1}} [[Blacktip reef shark]]
 +
|  ||  || X
 +
|-
 +
| {{Tile|S|1:1}} [[Blue shark]]
 +
| X || X || X
 +
|-
 +
| {{Tile|α|1:1}} [[Bluefin tuna]]
 +
| X || X || X
 +
|-
 +
| {{Tile|α|3:1}} [[Bluefish]]
 +
|  || X || X
 +
|-
 +
| {{Tile|S|7:1}} [[Bull shark]]
 +
|  ||  || X
 +
|-
 +
| {{Tile|α|7:0}} [[Cod]]
 +
| X || X ||
 +
|-
 +
| {{Tile|C|1:1}} [[Coelacanth]]
 +
|  ||  || X
 +
|-
 +
| {{Tile|ò|6:0}} [[Common skate]]
 +
|  || X || X
 +
|-
 +
| {{Tile|~|7:0}} [[Conger eel]]
 +
| X || X ||
 +
|-
 +
| {{Tile|c|4:1}} [[Crab]]
 +
| X || X || X
 +
|-
 +
| {{Tile|S|6:0}} [[Elephant seal]]
 +
| X ||  ||
 +
|-
 +
| {{Tile|p|7:1}} [[Emperor penguin]]
 +
| X ||  ||
 +
|-
 +
| {{Tile|s|3:0}} [[Frill shark]]
 +
| X || X || X
 +
|-
 +
| {{Tile|G|1:0}} [[Giant grouper]]
 +
|  ||  || X
 +
|-
 +
| {{Tile|b|2:0}} [[Great barracuda]]
 +
|  ||  || X
 +
|-
 +
| {{Tile|S|7:1}} [[Great white shark]]
 +
|  || X || X
 +
|-
 +
| {{Tile|α|6:0}} [[Halibut]]
 +
| X || X ||
 +
|-
 +
| {{Tile|S|6:0}} [[Hammerhead shark]]
 +
|  || X || X
 +
|-
 +
| {{Tile|H|7:0}} [[Harp seal]]
 +
| X ||  ||
 +
|-
 +
| {{Tile|c|6:0}} [[Horseshoe crab]]
 +
| X || X || X
 +
|-
 +
| {{Tile|L|0:1}} [[Leopard seal]]
 +
| X ||  ||
 +
|-
 +
| {{Tile|p|1:1}} [[Little penguin]]
 +
| X ||  ||
 +
|-
 +
| {{Tile|S|3:1}} [[Longfin mako shark]]
 +
|  || X || X
 +
|-
 +
| {{Tile|►|7:0}} [[Manta ray]]
 +
|  ||  || X
 +
|-
 +
| {{Tile|α|1:1}} [[Marlin]]
 +
|  || X || X
 +
|-
 +
| {{Tile|α|3:1}} [[Milkfish]]
 +
|  ||  || X
 +
|-
 +
| {{Tile|N|7:0}} [[Narwhal]]
 +
| X ||  ||
 +
|-
 +
| {{Tile|S|6:0}} [[Nurse shark]]
 +
|  || X ||
 +
|-
 +
| {{Tile|α|3:0}} [[Ocean sunfish]]
 +
|  || X || X
 +
|-
 +
| {{Tile|o|7:0}} [[Octopus]]
 +
| X || X || X
 +
|-
 +
| {{Tile|α|4:1}} [[Opah]]
 +
|  || X || X
 +
|-
 +
| {{Tile|O|0:1}} [[Orca]]
 +
| X || X || X
 +
|-
 +
| {{Tile|o|7:1}} [[Osprey]]
 +
| X || X || X
 +
|-
 +
| {{Tile|p|0:1}} [[Penguin]]
 +
| X ||  ||
 +
|-
 +
| {{Tile|p|0:1}} [[Puffin]]
 +
| X ||  ||
 +
|-
 +
| {{Tile|~|0:1}} [[Sea lamprey]]
 +
| X || X ||
 +
|-
 +
| {{Tile|o|6:0}} [[Sea otter]]
 +
|  || X ||
 +
|-
 +
| {{Tile|S|3:1}} [[Shortfin mako shark]]
 +
|  || X || X
 +
|-
 +
| {{Tile|W|7:0}} [[Sperm whale]]
 +
| X || X || X
 +
|-
 +
| {{Tile|s|6:0}} [[Spiny dogfish]]
 +
|  || X || X
 +
|-
 +
| {{Tile|s|4:1}} [[Sponge]]
 +
| X || X || X
 +
|-
 +
| {{Tile|S|6:0}} [[Spotted wobbegong]]
 +
|  || X || X
 +
|-
 +
| {{Tile|ò|7:0}} [[Stingray]]
 +
|  ||  || X
 +
|-
 +
| {{Tile|α|6:0}} [[Sturgeon]]
 +
| X || X ||
 +
|-
 +
| {{Tile|S|7:0}} [[Tiger shark]]
 +
|  ||  || X
 +
|-
 +
| {{Tile|α|3:1}} [[Swordfish]]
 +
|  || X || X
 +
|-
 +
| {{Tile|W|6:0}} [[Walrus]]
 +
| X ||  ||
 +
|-
 +
| {{Tile|S|6:0}} [[Whale shark]]
 +
|  ||  || X
 +
|-
 +
| {{Tile|s|7:1}} [[Whitetip reef shark]]
 +
|  ||  || X
 +
|}
  
=== Tropical Ocean ===
+
'''In savage oceans:'''
 +
{| class="wikitable"
 +
! Name
 +
! Arctic ocean !! Temperate ocean !! Tropical ocean
 +
|-
 +
| {{Tile|a|7:1}} [[Albatross man]]
 +
| X || X || X
 +
|-
 +
| {{Tile|c|4:1}} [[Crab man]]
 +
| X || X || X
 +
|-
 +
| {{Tile|c|6:0}} [[Cuttlefish man]]
 +
| X || X || X
 +
|-
 +
| {{Tile|S|6:0}} [[Elephant seal man]]
 +
| X ||  ||
 +
|-
 +
| {{Tile|A|7:1}} [[Giant albatross]]
 +
| X || X || X
 +
|-
 +
| {{Tile|C|4:1}} [[Giant crab]]
 +
| X || X || X
 +
|-
 +
| {{Tile|C|6:0}} [[Giant cuttlefish]]
 +
| X || X || X
 +
|-
 +
| {{Tile|S|6:0}} [[Giant elephant seal]]
 +
| X ||  ||
 +
|-
 +
| {{Tile|H|7:0}} [[Giant harp seal]]
 +
| X ||  ||
 +
|-
 +
| {{Tile|C|6:0}} [[Giant horseshoe crab]]
 +
| X || X || X
 +
|-
 +
| {{Tile|L|0:1}} [[Giant leopard seal]]
 +
| X ||  ||
 +
|-
 +
| {{Tile|S|4:1}} [[Giant moon snail]]
 +
|  || X ||
 +
|-
 +
| {{Tile|N|7:0}} [[Giant narwhal]]
 +
| X ||  ||
 +
|-
 +
| {{Tile|N|4:1}} [[Giant nautilus]]
 +
| X || X || X
 +
|-
 +
| {{Tile|O|7:0}} [[Giant octopus]]
 +
| X || X || X
 +
|-
 +
| {{Tile|O|0:1}} [[Giant orca]]
 +
| X || X || X
 +
|-
 +
| {{Tile|O|7:1}} [[Giant osprey]]
 +
| X || X || X
 +
|-
 +
| {{Tile|P|0:1}} [[Giant penguin]]
 +
| X ||  ||
 +
|-
 +
| {{Tile|P|0:1}} [[Giant puffin]]
 +
| X ||  ||
 +
|-
 +
| {{Tile|W|7:0}} [[Giant sperm whale]]
 +
| X || X || X
 +
|-
 +
| {{Tile|S|4:1}} [[Giant sponge]]
 +
| X || X || X
 +
|-
 +
| {{Tile|W|6:0}} [[Giant walrus]]
 +
| X ||  ||
 +
|-
 +
| {{Tile|S|7:1}} [[Gigantic squid]]
 +
| X || X || X
 +
|-
 +
| {{Tile|h|7:0}} [[Harp seal man]]
 +
| X ||  ||
 +
|-
 +
| {{Tile|c|6:0}} [[Horseshoe crab man]]
 +
| X || X || X
 +
|-
 +
| {{Tile|L|0:1}} [[Leopard seal man]]
 +
| X ||  ||
 +
|-
 +
| {{Tile|s|4:1}} [[Moon snail man]]
 +
|  || X ||
 +
|-
 +
| {{Tile|N|7:0}} [[Narwhal man]]
 +
| X ||  ||
 +
|-
 +
| {{Tile|n|4:1}} [[Nautilus man]]
 +
| X || X || X
 +
|-
 +
| {{Tile|o|7:0}} [[Octopus man]]
 +
| X || X || X
 +
|-
 +
| {{Tile|O|0:1}} [[Orca man]]
 +
| X || X || X
 +
|-
 +
| {{Tile|o|7:1}} [[Osprey man]]
 +
| X || X || X
 +
|-
 +
| {{Tile|p|0:1}} [[Penguin man]]
 +
| X ||  ||
 +
|-
 +
| {{Tile|p|0:1}} [[Puffin man]]
 +
| X ||  ||
 +
|-
 +
| {{Tile|S|3:1}} [[Sea serpent]]
 +
| X || X || X
 +
|-
 +
| {{Tile|W|7:0}} [[Sperm whale man]]
 +
| X || X || X
 +
|-
 +
| {{Tile|s|4:1}} [[Sponge man]]
 +
| X || X || X
 +
|-
 +
| {{Tile|s|7:1}} [[Squid man]]
 +
| X || X || X
 +
|-
 +
| {{Tile|W|6:0}} [[Walrus man]]
 +
| X ||  ||
 +
|}
  
Creatures
+
'''In good oceans:'''
 +
{| class="wikitable"
 +
! Name
 +
! Arctic ocean !! Temperate ocean !! Tropical ocean
 +
|-
 +
| {{Tile|M|3:1}} [[Merperson]]
 +
| X || X || X
 +
|}
  
* [[Angelshark]]
+
'''In evil oceans:'''
* [[Blacktip reef shark]]
+
{| class="wikitable"
* [[Blue shark]]
+
! Name
* [[Bluefin tuna]]
+
! Arctic ocean !! Temperate ocean !! Tropical ocean
* [[Bluefish]]
+
|-
* [[Bull shark]]
+
| {{Tile|M|0:1}} [[Sea monster]]
* [[Coelacanth]]
+
| X || X || X
* [[Common skate]]
+
|}
* [[Frill shark]]
 
* [[Great barracuda]]
 
* [[Great white shark]]
 
* [[Giant grouper]]
 
* [[Hammerhead shark]]
 
* [[Longfin mako shark]]
 
* [[Manta ray]]
 
* [[Marlin]]
 
* [[Milkfish]]
 
* [[Ocean sunfish]]
 
* [[Opah]]
 
* [[Sea lamprey]]
 
* [[Sea serpent]]
 
* [[Shortfin mako shark]]
 
* [[Spiny dogfish]]
 
* [[Spotted wobbegong]]
 
* [[Stingray]]
 
* [[Swordfish]]
 
* [[Tiger shark]]
 
* [[Sperm whale]]
 
* [[Whale shark]]
 
* [[Whitetip reef shark]]
 
  
Vermin
+
=== Vermin ===
 +
{| class="wikitable"
 +
! Name
 +
! Arctic ocean !! Temperate ocean !! Tropical ocean
 +
|-
 +
| {{Tile|α|7:1}} [[Anchovy]]
 +
|  || X ||
 +
|-
 +
| {{Tile|ò|0:1}} [[Bat ray]]
 +
|  || X || X
 +
|-
 +
| {{Tile|~|3:0}} [[Brook lamprey]]
 +
|  || X ||
 +
|-
 +
| {{Tile|α|4:1}} [[Clownfish]]
 +
|  ||  || X
 +
|-
 +
| {{Tile|♂|6:0}} [[Cuttlefish]]
 +
| X || X || X
 +
|-
 +
| {{Tile|α|6:0}} [[Flounder]]
 +
|  || X ||
 +
|-
 +
| {{Tile|α|4:1}} [[Glasseye]]
 +
|  ||  || X
 +
|-
 +
| {{Tile|~|6:0}} [[Hagfish]]
 +
| X || X ||
 +
|-
 +
| {{Tile|α|7:1}} [[Hake]]
 +
| X || X ||
 +
|-
 +
| {{Tile|α|3:1}} [[Herring]]
 +
| X || X ||
 +
|-
 +
| {{Tile|α|7:0}} [[Mackerel]]
 +
| X || X ||
 +
|-
 +
| {{Tile|∙|4:1}} [[Moon snail]]
 +
|  || X ||
 +
|-
 +
| {{Tile|m|7:1}} [[Mussel]]
 +
| X || X || X
 +
|-
 +
| {{Tile|♂|4:1}} [[Nautilus]]
 +
| X || X || X
 +
|-
 +
| {{Tile|o|7:1}} [[Oyster]]
 +
| X || X || X
 +
|-
 +
| {{Tile|α|4:1}} [[Salmon]]
 +
|  || X ||
 +
|-
 +
| {{Tile|Ω|6:0}} [[Sea nettle jellyfish]]
 +
|  || X ||
 +
|-
 +
| {{Tile|α|2:0}} [[Seahorse]]
 +
|  || X || X
 +
|-
 +
| {{Tile|α|3:1}} [[Shad]]
 +
| X || X ||
 +
|-
 +
| {{Tile|α|6:0}} [[Sole]]
 +
| X || X ||
 +
|-
 +
| {{Tile|α|6:0}} [[Spotted ratfish]]
 +
|  || X ||
 +
|-
 +
| {{Tile|♂|7:1}} [[Squid]]
 +
| X || X || X
 +
|-
 +
| {{Tile|α|3:1}} [[Steelhead trout]]
 +
| X || X ||
 +
|-
 +
| {{Tile|ò|6:0}} [[Thornback ray]]
 +
|  || X || X
 +
|-
 +
| {{Tile|α|7:0}} [[White-spotted puffer]]
 +
|  ||  || X
 +
|}
  
* [[Bat ray]]
+
'''In good oceans:'''
* [[Clownfish]]
+
{| class="wikitable"
* [[Glasseye]]
+
! Name
* [[Mussel]]
+
! Arctic ocean !! Temperate ocean !! Tropical ocean
* [[Oyster]]
+
|-
* [[Seahorse]]
+
| {{Tile|∙|6:1}} [[Fairy]]
* [[Thornback ray]]
+
| X || X || X
* [[White-spotted puffer]]
+
|-
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Revision as of 01:52, 14 September 2017

This article is about the current version of DF.
Note that some content may still need to be updated.

An ocean is an immense volume of salt water. They are often bordered by sandy beaches where driftwood can be found. Marshes and swamps also tend to form around oceanic coastlines, especially near rivers. The land surrounding oceans also tends to have a high water table, resulting in aquifers close to the surface.

It is not possible to found a fort solely in an oceanic biome; some land is needed.

Oceans are an excellent source of food for a new fortress, usually having tons of fish, and containing shell-bearing creatures like oysters and mussels. But sometimes when you embark on a coast you might have messages of 'there is nothing to catch in blah blah blah'. If this happens you will never be able to fish in the ocean in that area so it is suggested you embark on a different area or create a new map so you can fish.

There are three varieties of oceans, based on temperature, which affects the sea life found there: Arctic, Temperate and Tropical. Oceans in a freezing climate (usually Arctic oceans) will freeze, just like rivers and pools, acting like a glacier.

Ocean waves

Waves will periodically wash over the coast. The tiles will not get wet. However, if a wave washes over a staircase, the floors below it will be slowly flooded. Cavern moss will not grow in the mud left by salt water. The waves move over all natural tiles, and seem to move independently of constructed tiles like walls and floors. Be mindful not to carve away natural walls and allow tide to enter your fort, and cause excess slowdown. Sea walls can be built to block waves and protect beach areas, but need to be completely closed off to be effective. Waves also have a tendency to move items left on the beach, so it is inadvisable to place stockpiles too close to the shore -- also beware that this effect means that dwarves can be knocked unconscious if hit by driftwood washed in from waves.

Since ocean waves do not actually move the water in the tiles below them, they do not create flow. Thus, waves cannot power a water wheel, making tidal energy generation much more difficult.

In adventure mode being pushed by ocean waves occasionally increases swimming skill without the risk of drowning.

Ocean floor geology

The ocean floor will be made up of entire layers, or combinations of the following:

Most of these layers also support aquifers, which are saltwater like the surrounding ocean, making the extraction of these materials rather difficult in fortress mode. Limestone is a notable exception, making it ideal for excavation from below since it is also a flux material.

Resources

Almost all tiles next to oceans have aquifers, which require fairly complicated schemes to sidestep. In addition oceans are salt water resources, requiring desalination with a screw pump into a cistern to use for drinking. On the other hand you have an inexhaustible source of water for fishing, drowning chambers, and so forth, as well as a spawning point for some very big and very meat-profitable creatures: Sperm whales, orcas, and the like.

Wildlife

In Arctic oceans with freezing climate, none of the aquatic vermin or creatures will be present when the water freezes over. This leaves only terrestrial and amphibious animals to appear because they are able to live on land.

Creatures

Name Arctic ocean Temperate ocean Tropical ocean
a Albatross X X X
s Angelshark X X
S Basking shark X
s Blacktip reef shark X
S Blue shark X X X
α Bluefin tuna X X X
α Bluefish X X
S Bull shark X
α Cod X X
C Coelacanth X
ò Common skate X X
~ Conger eel X X
c Crab X X X
S Elephant seal X
p Emperor penguin X
s Frill shark X X X
G Giant grouper X
b Great barracuda X
S Great white shark X X
α Halibut X X
S Hammerhead shark X X
H Harp seal X
c Horseshoe crab X X X
L Leopard seal X
p Little penguin X
S Longfin mako shark X X
Manta ray X
α Marlin X X
α Milkfish X
N Narwhal X
S Nurse shark X
α Ocean sunfish X X
o Octopus X X X
α Opah X X
O Orca X X X
o Osprey X X X
p Penguin X
p Puffin X
~ Sea lamprey X X
o Sea otter X
S Shortfin mako shark X X
W Sperm whale X X X
s Spiny dogfish X X
s Sponge X X X
S Spotted wobbegong X X
ò Stingray X
α Sturgeon X X
S Tiger shark X
α Swordfish X X
W Walrus X
S Whale shark X
s Whitetip reef shark X

In savage oceans:

Name Arctic ocean Temperate ocean Tropical ocean
a Albatross man X X X
c Crab man X X X
c Cuttlefish man X X X
S Elephant seal man X
A Giant albatross X X X
C Giant crab X X X
C Giant cuttlefish X X X
S Giant elephant seal X
H Giant harp seal X
C Giant horseshoe crab X X X
L Giant leopard seal X
S Giant moon snail X
N Giant narwhal X
N Giant nautilus X X X
O Giant octopus X X X
O Giant orca X X X
O Giant osprey X X X
P Giant penguin X
P Giant puffin X
W Giant sperm whale X X X
S Giant sponge X X X
W Giant walrus X
S Gigantic squid X X X
h Harp seal man X
c Horseshoe crab man X X X
L Leopard seal man X
s Moon snail man X
N Narwhal man X
n Nautilus man X X X
o Octopus man X X X
O Orca man X X X
o Osprey man X X X
p Penguin man X
p Puffin man X
S Sea serpent X X X
W Sperm whale man X X X
s Sponge man X X X
s Squid man X X X
W Walrus man X

In good oceans:

Name Arctic ocean Temperate ocean Tropical ocean
M Merperson X X X

In evil oceans:

Name Arctic ocean Temperate ocean Tropical ocean
M Sea monster X X X

Vermin

Name Arctic ocean Temperate ocean Tropical ocean
α Anchovy X
ò Bat ray X X
~ Brook lamprey X
α Clownfish X
Cuttlefish X X X
α Flounder X
α Glasseye X
~ Hagfish X X
α Hake X X
α Herring X X
α Mackerel X X
Moon snail X
m Mussel X X X
Nautilus X X X
o Oyster X X X
α Salmon X
Ω Sea nettle jellyfish X
α Seahorse X X
α Shad X X
α Sole X X
α Spotted ratfish X
Squid X X X
α Steelhead trout X X
ò Thornback ray X X
α White-spotted puffer X

In good oceans:

Name Arctic ocean Temperate ocean Tropical ocean
Fairy X X X
· Pixie X X X
"Ocean" in other Languages Books-aj.svg aj ashton 01.svg
Dwarven: migrur
Elvish: romi
Goblin: strabo
Human: sota
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