Sea ice, and the cold conditions it sustains, serves to stabilize methane deposits on and
near the
shoreline, [40] preventing the clathrate
breaking down and outgassing methane into the atmosphere, causing further warming.
Dispersants, which can be sprayed from ships or planes, are quick and easy to apply — they are often used to
break up small spills
near land, where they can help keep oil from hitting fragile
shorelines.