The ocean absorbs, stores, and transports much of the radiation from the sun. Oceans also store moisture. As a result the oceans effect the weather and climate.

Weather

Tropical storms form over warm ocean waters which in turn supply energy for typhoons and hurricanes.

Storms which bring precipitation are often the result of warmed water evaporating and forming clouds which move inland. As the clouds cool precipitation is released.

When cool water rises to the surface of oceans (upwelling) in coastal areas the air cools and fog forms.

The oceans ability to store heat helps regulate temperatures of coastal areas resulting in more moderate temperatures.

Climate

The surface of the ocean (top ten feet) holds as much heat as the entire atmosphere. As a result the temperature of coastal regions changes slowly in comparison to the annual track of the sun.

Sometimes the heat stored in the ocean is redistributed to deeper ocean layers by currents, waves, and wind. The heat can remain trapped for centuries which helps to stabilize the earth’s climate.

The video below does a fantastic job of discussing the ocean as a driving force for weather and climate. (6:01 min.)