When a chlorine container is punctured, allowing the chlorine to release, the chlorine will escape rapidly at first. As the chlorine is released, the pressurized container will equalize in pressure with the atmosphere once the liquid level drains below the puncture point. During this process, the chlorine cools down below its boiling point so much that it results in a visible frost on the container (i.e. auto-refrigeration). At this point, the rate of release will significantly decrease, although there can still be a considerable amount of liquid chlorine remaining in the container.