What is the function of a "spill containment boom"?

A "spill containment boom" serves a critical function in oil spill response efforts by effectively containing and preventing the spread of oil on water. This barrier is designed to float on the surface of the water, encircling the area affected by the spill and preventing the oil from drifting further. By keeping the oil contained, responders can then focus their efforts on recovery and clean-up without risking further contamination of adjacent areas.

The other choices do not correctly represent the primary function of a spill containment boom. Absorbent materials may be utilized to soak up oil, but a boom itself does not absorb the oil—it acts as a physical barrier instead. While the collection of dead marine life might be part of a broader clean-up effort, it is not the purpose of a containment boom. Additionally, chemical neutralization is handled through other means, such as dispersants, and is not a role played by a containment boom. This clear definition of purpose highlights the unique role that a containment boom plays in the management of oil spills.