Our Earth is the only known planet where water exists in three forms (liquid, gas, solid), and in particular as liquid oceanic water. Due to its high heat capacity, radiative properties (gaseous) and phase changes, the presence of water is largely responsible both for our planet’s mild climate and for the development of land life. The oceans represent 71% of the surface of the planet. They are so vast that one can easily underestimate their role in the earth
climate. The ocean is both a large reservoir, that continuously contributes to radiative, physical and gaseous exchanges with the atmosphere. These transfers and their impacts on the atmosphere and the ocean are at the core of the climate system.