http://phys.org/news/2012-08-nasa-crime-scene-photo-mars.html

The really interesting thing about that photo is it looks to me like it landed very close to what used to be, however many millions of years ago, a beach. See the difference in the terrain (marain?) where it landed and the rougher looking area just north of the landing site? Either one could be shore and beach, but my money is on the area to the north being ex beach.