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Emanuel · 10th June 2009, 10:51 PM

I'm no smith yet (trying though) but as I understand it, high altitude is only a problem when you're dealing with athmospheric/venturi gas burners which require a certain athmospheric pressure to ensure an adequate fuel mix.

The rareified athmosphere could perhaps pose a problem to combustion, but only at very high altitudes. Assuming a simple forge with hide bellows, I don't think people would have problem smelting at high altitudes. Material availability is of greater concern I think. Mining ore in a low-oxygen environment sounds particualrly difficult.

Then again, why talk of high altitudes? How many urban/production centres were high up in the mountains (Machu Pichu, yes, but others?). Very many cities were far lower down, despite being in the Andes.

Thoughts...
Emanuel

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10th June 2009, 10:51 PM	#31
Emanuel Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Toronto, Canada Posts: 1,242	I'm no smith yet (trying though) but as I understand it, high altitude is only a problem when you're dealing with athmospheric/venturi gas burners which require a certain athmospheric pressure to ensure an adequate fuel mix. The rareified athmosphere could perhaps pose a problem to combustion, but only at very high altitudes. Assuming a simple forge with hide bellows, I don't think people would have problem smelting at high altitudes. Material availability is of greater concern I think. Mining ore in a low-oxygen environment sounds particualrly difficult. Then again, why talk of high altitudes? How many urban/production centres were high up in the mountains (Machu Pichu, yes, but others?). Very many cities were far lower down, despite being in the Andes. Thoughts... Emanuel