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:
“It has ever been since time began,
And ever will be, till time lose breath,
That love is a mood—no more—to man,
And love to a woman is life or death.”
—Ella Wheeler Wilcox (1855–1919)
“A tart temper never mellows with age, and a sharp tongue is the only edged tool that grows keener with constant use.”
—Washington Irving (1783–1859)
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