Tell me more ×
Arqade is a question and answer site for passionate videogamers on all platforms. It's 100% free, no registration required.
up vote 6 down vote favorite

I just finished my lava moat, powered by a volcano. If I shut the lava supply, will the moat eventually dry up?

share|improve this question
I hope it doesn't, because molten rock evaporating doesn't really make sense :) – badp♦ Mar 3 '11 at 0:33
1  
@Badp - But this is Dwarf Fortress. DWARF. FORTRESS. Where, for a time, the humble Carp was the mightiest of enemies. – Raven Dreamer♦ Mar 3 '11 at 0:34
@badp: Well, water is just molten ice. – user7220 Mar 3 '11 at 0:52
1  
If I remember my physics from many years ago, water evaporates because it converts to vapour even at low temperatures and be suspended in air. I don't believe rock can do that in noticeable quantities. – DJClayworth Mar 3 '11 at 19:04

1 Answer

up vote 7 down vote accepted

Lava at 1/7 depth will eventually "evaporate", exactly the same as water. As long as your moat is a constant depth (even 2/7), your moat will remain, as is.

share|improve this answer
Thanks. Is there any way of getting rid of my moat other than pumping up water? – user7220 Mar 3 '11 at 0:51
1  
I like to just pump it out, into an open area. If there's no way to renew the source, it'll eventually just all evaporate. This does lead some minor hazards to the brave pump operator though. – Raven Dreamer♦ Mar 3 '11 at 1:24

Your Answer

 
discard

By posting your answer, you agree to the privacy policy and terms of service.