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The topography of bedrock beneath an ice sheet is one of the several factors that influence the flow of ice. It has the potential to change the direction of ice movement, which can lead to confusion when interpreting glacial striae and landforms. In the Mistassini area in Canada, formerly glaciated by the Laurentide Ice Sheet during several phases of the Quaternary, we used a high-resolution digital elevation model to calculate hillshade, slope gradient, and slope aspect. These derived topographic parameters were then combined with mapped glacial indicators to investigate how the underlying bedrock topography potentially influenced the direction of ice flow. The results show that during the older southeastward (SE) event, there was a notable deflection of the ice towards the south in the southern part of the study area. During the southward (S) event, and to a lesser extent south–southeastward (SSE) event, the impact of bedrock topography on ice movement appears to be less pronounced than during the previous southeastward phase (SE). As the ice gradually thinned during the final south–southwestward flow (SSW), the ice sheet became increasingly sensitive to the local bedrock topography. This sensitivity was particularly pronounced in the southern part of the area, where a dominant north-south topographic pattern constrained the ice to flow towards the south. This study demonstrates the feasibility of conducting a quick assessment of the influence of bedrock topography on paleo-ice flows through morphometric analysis of current topography and glacial evidence preserved on bedrock surfaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the Anti-Atlas belt, the Saghro massif stands out as the most promising area for exploring bases and precious metals. It serves as a noteworthy example of effectively utilizing various geological layers by employing fuzzy logic operators to predict new targets and identify potential mining zones in this region. This paper demonstrates the integration of geoscience datasets in a GIS system, enabling the identification of significant targets for mineral exploration. The geo-information layers utilized included Neoproterozoic acid volcanic and intrusive rocks, hydrothermal alterations, faults, zones of structural complexity, geochemical anomalies, and mineral occurrences. The results highlighted that the boundary between the Neoproterozoic basement and its Paleozoic cover presents a crucial target for discovering mineral deposits and identifying new polymetallic mineralization zones with significant mining potential. Eight favorable zones have been identified, indicating the presence of Cu–Ag–Pb polymetallic mineralization and Ag–Hg mineralization associated with the late Neoproterozoic acid volcanic rocks of the Ouarzazate group. The outcomes of this study are invaluable for mineral exploration, serving as essential guidance for mining prospectors and advanced metallogenic investigation programs in the northeastern part of the Moroccan Saghro massif. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]