Global climate change has contributed to the higher sea surface and sub-surface ocean temperatures, a warmer and moister atmosphere above the ocean, higher water levels around the globe, and perhaps more precipitation in storms.» (skepticalscience.com)
The effect was easier to see over water than land because, in general, the atmosphere above the oceans is relatively low in aerosols — tiny liquid or solid particles that float in the air. (scientificamerican.com)
They believe that this compound is likely the source of methane gas being released into the atmosphere above the ocean. (sciencedaily.com)