Final answer:
Water vapor plays a crucial role in transferring heat from the ocean to the atmosphere as part of the water cycle. It evaporates from the ocean, rises into the atmosphere, and condenses into clouds, releasing heat. This process drives weather patterns and can lead to the formation of thunderstorms and hurricanes.
Step-by-step explanation:
Water vapor plays a crucial role in the transfer of heat from the warm waters of the ocean to the atmosphere, as part of the water cycle. When the sun heats the ocean, water evaporates and turns into water vapor. This water vapor rises into the atmosphere and condenses into clouds, releasing heat in the process. This transfer of heat from the ocean to the atmosphere drives weather patterns and can lead to the formation of thunderstorms and hurricanes.