What does the term "ice" refer to in a geological context?

In a geological context, the term "ice" most accurately refers to a period of extremely cold temperatures during which part of the Earth's surface was extensively covered with massive ice sheets. This concept is closely linked to significant geological events known as ice ages, where substantial portions of the planet were enveloped in glaciers, impacting the climate and geography of those regions. Understanding this definition is crucial because it relates to earth's climatic history and the effects of glaciation on ecosystems and landforms over time. The presence of these ice sheets can be evidenced in various geological formations and sediments left behind as they receded, highlighting their importance in the study of Earth's geological and climatic evolution.