User:VengefulDonut/Aquifer

VengefulDonut's method for getting through an N level aquifer (beta)

Fig 1

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Fig 2

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Fig 3
z0	z1	z2
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Fig 4
z1	z2
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• Reach the aquifer level. I will refer to the level above the aquifer as level 0.
  For convenience, I'm going to increase the numbers with depth.

• Dig an array of up/down staircases on level 1
  (I prefer 7x7, so this guide will refer to 7x7)

• Dig an access shaft to the side and construct a horizontal axle in it. That will go to your power generator later.
  We won't need any power until we are dealing with the last level

• Dig a second access shaft for draining water into level 1.

• Let a horizontal axle hang over the staircases so we can build a hanging screw pump
  (We are going to be constructing the reynard tower that will be used for the last step)

• Floor over a staircase on level 0 and channel out an adjacent one.

• Construct a screw pump on the floor tiles and channel out the intake.

• While a dwarf is operating the pump, dig out an up/down staircase on level 2 directly below the channel.

• The water from level 1 being drained into level 2 will allow you to dig out the same array of up/down staircases as on level 1.
  Side note: using this technique, you can now expand levels 1 and 2 to any degree you want. You could even build your fortress inside the aquifer.

• Wall off level 1 from the aquifer.

• Repeat steps 4-8 until you reach the last layer of aquifer (level N), constructing a reynard tower on your way down. Only dig a 5x5 staircase on level N.
  The last layer of aquifer can be identified by looking at the type of stone on the next layer. It is revealed when you dig the first staircase.

(more to come. drawing figures)