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Difference between revisions of "Aquifier"

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(New page: Dont build near an aquifier, its really hard to find stone.)
 
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Dont build near an aquifier, its really hard to find stone.
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An aquifer is a subterrainean layer of water-bearing rock.  Attempts to mine through them will result in the mined-out squares immediately filling with water, effectively halting excavation at or below their level.  This, in conjunction with the fact that they are often located in areas rich in clay, loam, and sand, makes it difficult to find great quantities of stone in areas with aquifers, making for more challenging gameplay.
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== Dealing with Aquifers ==
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The challenges presented by an aquifer may be circumvented in several ways.  Firstly, much more of your equipment will likely be made from wood, especially early on, so it may help to be in a heavily forested area.  Once you've established your fortress a bit, you will also be able to trade for stone and metals if you run short.
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It is also worth noting that it is by no means impossible to find stone on these maps, it is simply much rarer.  It may help to create exploratory shafts searching for pockets of stone.  Be aware that mining along the level immediately above the aquifer will result in patches of 'damp stone,' which will flood if mined out;  these squares will flash with water when designating mining areas.
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Finally, it may also be possible to pump water out of an area flooded by an aquifer.  (Experiments so far haven't been successful, but I may be doing it wrong, as I'm still figuring out how to work with pumps and power. -Abbalah)  If the aquifer's z-level can be accessed via pumping or other means, it is often rich in porous stone.

Revision as of 08:02, 30 October 2007

An aquifer is a subterrainean layer of water-bearing rock. Attempts to mine through them will result in the mined-out squares immediately filling with water, effectively halting excavation at or below their level. This, in conjunction with the fact that they are often located in areas rich in clay, loam, and sand, makes it difficult to find great quantities of stone in areas with aquifers, making for more challenging gameplay.


Dealing with Aquifers

The challenges presented by an aquifer may be circumvented in several ways. Firstly, much more of your equipment will likely be made from wood, especially early on, so it may help to be in a heavily forested area. Once you've established your fortress a bit, you will also be able to trade for stone and metals if you run short.

It is also worth noting that it is by no means impossible to find stone on these maps, it is simply much rarer. It may help to create exploratory shafts searching for pockets of stone. Be aware that mining along the level immediately above the aquifer will result in patches of 'damp stone,' which will flood if mined out; these squares will flash with water when designating mining areas.

Finally, it may also be possible to pump water out of an area flooded by an aquifer. (Experiments so far haven't been successful, but I may be doing it wrong, as I'm still figuring out how to work with pumps and power. -Abbalah) If the aquifer's z-level can be accessed via pumping or other means, it is often rich in porous stone.