By default, configuring an Azure Storage account the default setting is set to Hot tier.
This default setting gets inherited or "Inferred" by blobs in containers.
Storage Accounts' blob access tier can be set to either Hot or Cool tier when configuring a Storage account (see image below)
This can also be changed after configuring the storage account by going to Settings > Configuration > Blob access tier (default) option.
Or can be changed using PowerShell using: Set-AzStorageAccount -ResourceGroupName <resource group> - Name <storage account> -AccessTier <Hot or Cool>
Or using Azure CLI: az storage account update --access-tier <hot or cool>
Hot (usually default/inferred/inherited from the storage account when it was created)
Cool - Lower storage costs, but higher access costs compared to hot tier. Data in this tier should be stored for a min 30 days.
Cold - Online tier optimized for storing data that is rarely accessed or modified, but still requires fast retrieval. Data in this tier should be stored for a min of 90 days.
Archive - Archive or offline tier is optimal for storing data that rarely needs to be accessed and has flexible latency needs. Data in this tier should be stored for a min of 180 days.
Blobs in archive tier must remain at least 180 days in storage or you will be subject to fees/charge. For example, if a blob is moved to the archive tier and then deleted or moved to the hot tier after 45 days, you'll be charged an early deletion fee equivalent to 135 (180 minus 45) days of storing that blob in the archive tier.
Blobs in archive tier mode can't be read or modified. To read or download a blob in archive, you have to rehydrate it first to either hot, cool, or cold tier. Rehydrating blobs can take up to 15 hours.