Correct Option
The correct option is (b).
Explanation
A glacier is a large, persistent body of dense ice that is constantly moving under its own weight. Glaciers form where the accumulation of snow exceeds its ablation (melting and sublimation) over many years.Statement 1 is Incorrect: Glaciers are not temporary accumulations; they are permanent or semi-permanent bodies of ice. While surface snow may melt during the summer, the main body of the glacier persists year-round. If the snow melted completely every summer, a glacier would not form.
Statement 2 is Correct: Glaciers are found in specific environments that allow for the preservation of ice, primarily in high-altitude mountain ranges (alpine glaciers) and high-latitude polar regions (continental ice sheets).
Statement 3 is Incorrect: Glaciers are critical components of the hydrological cycle. They act as reservoirs that store water during colder periods and release it as meltwater during warmer seasons, thereby contributing significantly to the flow of perennial rivers (e.g., the Ganga and Yamuna).
Key Takeaway: Glaciers are persistent, moving masses of ice found in high altitudes and latitudes, serving as essential sources of fresh water for river systems rather than being temporary seasonal snow cover.