What does the 'yellow stripe' refer to in a multibeam echo sounder?

The term 'yellow stripe' in the context of a multibeam echo sounder specifically refers to the receive beam. In multibeam sonar systems, different colors are often used in graphical displays to represent various components or aspects of the system. The yellow stripe typically highlights the area or direction from which the sonar returns are being received.

In a multibeam echo sounder, the system emits sound waves to the seabed, which then reflect back to the receiver. The receive beams are critical for collecting the returning signals, and they can be visualized on a display where the yellow color indicates that the system is actively receiving data from a specific scanning angle. This helps operators understand which part of the survey area is being sampled and ensures that data is accurately processed to create a comprehensive bathymetric map.

In summary, the yellow stripe signifies the receive beam, making it an essential element in interpreting the data collected by the multibeam echo sounder. Understanding this concept is vital for hydrographic surveyors to effectively analyze and utilize the information generated by these advanced sonar systems.