Time Constant

A time constant is the amount of time it takes for a meteorological sensor to respond to a rapid change in a measurand until it is measuring values within the accuracy tolerance usually expected of the sensor.

This most often applies to measurements of temperature, dewpoint temperature, humidity and air pressure. Radiosondes are especially affected due to their rapid increase in altitude.

Famous quotes containing the words time and/or constant:

    “Time kills me terribly.
    “Time shall not murder you,” He said,
    “Nor the green nought be hurt;
    Who could hack out your unsucked heart,
    O green and unborn and undead?”
    I saw time murder me.”
    —Dylan Thomas (1914–1953)

    “The constant abrasion and decay of our lives makes the soil of our future growth.”
    —Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862)