I started on a fortress with an aquifer. i really like the site, as i designated a large area for the construction of downstairs, something that will give me A clear view of the ground below me. i've found 2 areas that have 39+ pieces of platinum in each vein, in addition to a massive area of iron ore and a copper vien. however, the platinum is mostly filled with the aquifer, in addition to the copper ore. however, the iron ore has an aquifer 2 spaces into the ore patch. I was told that aquifers cannot push through ore veins, however, when i dig deep, there's water.
There is also an isolated area of aquifer just above the iron ore, much like this side view:
T= downward stair I = iron ore C= silty clay (aquifer) A= Sandstone (Aquifer)
Layer 1 TTTTTCCCCTTTTT
Layer 2 IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
layer 3 ?A<unknown area>
Now, with the layer of silty clay above the iron ore, can i dig below that and get past the aquifer, or will there the aquifer be right underneath it? In addition, it should be noted that i found out about it though the "Dig downward stair case" function, so no water could have gotten in.
IN addition, i want to get to the gobs and gobs of iron ore, platinum ore, and copper ore. is there an easy way i can get rid of the aquifer so that i am able to get down and mine it all?
edit: I have carved out several areas, and smoothed the walls after learning from the wiki that this prevents water from flowing from an aquifer. however, no matter how long i leave an area, its alwasy 1/7. Did i mis understand?