What is the main purpose of the transducer array in a multibeam echo sounder?

The primary function of the transducer array in a multibeam echo sounder is to send signals out to the ocean floor. The transducer array consists of multiple transducers arranged to emit sound pulses across a wide swath of the seafloor. This capability allows for the collection of a large amount of bathymetric data in a single pass, vastly improving survey efficiency and spatial resolution compared to single-beam sonar systems.

After the sound pulses are transmitted, they travel to the seafloor and reflect back to the array. The array also contains components to receive these echoes, which are crucial for processing and determining the depth and topography of the ocean floor. However, the sending of signals is the fundamental operation that enables the entire sonar system to function, as without these initial pulses, there would be no data to analyze or interpret.

The option focusing on receiving echoes addresses only part of the operational cycle and does not encompass the essential role of sending signals. Other options relating to calculating water depth and measuring temperature pertain to outcomes of the survey process but do not define the primary purpose of the transducer array itself.