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:

    “I am the family face;
    Flesh perishes, I live on,
    Projecting trait and trace
    Through time to times anon,
    And leaping from place to place
    Over oblivion.”
    —Thomas Hardy (1840–1928)

    “Love not me for comely grace,
    For my pleasing eye or face,
    Nor for any outward part:
    No, nor for a constant heart!”
    —Unknown. Love Not Me for Comely Grace (l. 1–4)