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:
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—John Dos Passos (1896–1970)
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Weaken our fate, relieve us of woe both great
And small, a constant fellow of destiny,
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And uncourageous genesis . . .”
—Wallace Stevens (1879–1955)