Cone of escape

From Glossary of Meteorology



cone of escape

A hypothetical cone in the exosphere, directed vertically upward, through which an atom or molecule would theoretically be able to pass to outer space without a collision, that is, in which the mean free path is infinite.

Such a cone would open wider with increasing altitude above the critical level of escape, and would be nonexistent below the critical level of escape.
See fringe region.


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