Atmospheric models predict a directional change of prevailing easterly winds in the Terra Meridiani region due to seasonal effects. Where two orthogonal wind directions dominate, an extensive expanse of crater rim is degraded. A unidirectional wind pattern heavily degrades the downwind rim of the crater while preserving most of the upwind rim morphology. The morphology of Martian craters is dominated by local wind kinematics. We conclude that aeolian degradation of the crater rim was the probable cause in exposing bedrock in the northwestern quadrant of Eagle Crater ( Figure 2a). comm.) and there are no large channels entering or exiting the crater. There are minor gullies that might have been eroded by water but the alternative of wind erosion could not be ruled out (D. Faceted rock surface morphology is typical of exposure by wind abrasion. The greatest outcrop relief, around El Capitan and Big Bend is less than a half meter. Sands obscure the bedrock in the southeast half of the crater, where higher elevations suggest thick unconsolidated deposits.
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