The correct option is (a).
Explanation
The Earth is divided into specific heat zones based on latitudinal location and the angle of solar incidence. The Frigid Zones are located between the Arctic Circle ($66\frac{1}{2}^\circ$ N) and the North Pole, and between the Antarctic Circle ($66\frac{1}{2}^\circ$ S) and the South Pole.Statement 1 is Correct: Due to the spherical shape of the Earth and the high latitude of these regions, the sun's rays always strike the ground at a highly oblique (slanting) angle. Unlike the Torrid Zone, the sun is never directly overhead in the Frigid Zones.
Statement 2 is Incorrect: Slanting rays are less efficient at heating because they spread solar energy over a larger surface area and pass through a thicker layer of the atmosphere, causing scattering and absorption. Consequently, the heat received is minimal, and the summers are cool or cold, never experiencing "intense heat."
Statement 3 is Incorrect: In the Frigid Zones, the sun never rises high above the horizon. Even during the summer months when there is continuous daylight (the "Midnight Sun"), the sun remains at a low elevation, circling near the horizon rather than reaching a high vertical position.
Key Takeaway: The Frigid Zones are characterized by permanently slanting sun rays and low solar altitude, which prevents the accumulation of intense heat even during periods of continuous daylight.