Today’s Video of the Day from the USGS describes how the evolving Batagaika Crater in Russia’s Extreme North is providing scientists with a look into the climate of the past.

Using images captured by Landsat and Sentinel satellites, scientists can assemble a continuous view of the Batagaika Crater over the last 60 years. 

The geological record that is held in layers of permafrost inside of the crater, however, holds a snapshot of Earth’s climate that may date back as far as 650,000 years.

Video Credit: USGS 

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By Chrissy Sexton, Earth.com Staff Writer