Explanations –

Statement 1 is incorrect. Permafrost is not a type of glacier. It refers to ground (soil, rock, or sediment) that remains frozen for at least two consecutive years, regardless of whether it is covered by snow or ice. While the top layer of permafrost (called the active layer) thaws during summer and refreezes in winter, the deeper layers remain frozen continuously.

Statements 2 and 3 are correct. Permafrost contains large amounts of organic carbon from dead plants and animals that did not decompose due to freezing conditions. When permafrost thaws, microbes decompose this organic matter, releasing greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane into the atmosphere, which contribute to climate change. The Ladakh region, part of the cold and arid trans-Himalayan zone, has significant areas underlain by permafrost due to its high altitude and cold temperatures. Studies indicate that Ladakh has the largest extent of permafrost in India compared to other regions.

Source: The Hindu