Ocean-atmosphere interaction, illustration. The ocean and atmosphere interact in a number of complex ways that are affected by changes in climate. Warm water evaporates from the oceans forming clouds and increasing ocean salinity. When the clouds encounter cooler air they release their water vapour as precipitation. This and melting ice reduces the salinity of the ocean. The ocean acts as a carbon sink, absorbing carbon dioxide (CO2) from the air. Higher levels of CO2 in the atmosphere increase this absorption, leading to ocean acidification that can affect marine organisms. However, warmer water can hold less CO2 than cooler water, leading to more CO2 in the atmosphere and more warming.