There is no universally accepted definition of drought. Farmers define it differently than city dwellers and water engineers. Any extended periods of dry weather that lasts longer than expected, or than normal, and leads to measurable losses like crop damage and water supply shortages are considered droughts. Droughts often creep up on us slowly but end with incredible abruptness. Since oceans cover so much of the Earth s surface, it is not surprising that they influence climate greatly.
Water loses and gains heat more slowly than air.
Because of this, oceans provide a moderating effect on the climate of coastal areas. For the biosphere as a whole, however, oceans play two major roles. This helps balance the extra solar radiation that equatorial regions receive. Second, oceans provide long-term memory for the climate. El Ni o is the term that refers to a periodic pronounced warming of ocean currents over the South Pacific and Indian oceans.