Final answer:
Snow patches that persist through the warm season create snowfields, which have ecological impacts and provide water sources for plants and animals.
Step-by-step explanation:
Snow patches that persist through the warm season create what is known as a snowfield or a snowbank. These snow patches can be found on mountains or in high-altitude areas where the temperatures remain cold enough to prevent complete melting. Snowfields can have important ecological impacts, such as providing water sources for plants and animals and contributing to the creation of unique microhabitats.