How do oceans play a role in
hurricane formation?

The ocean influences weather patterns by distributing heat and moisture around the globe.

Explanation:

Tropical storms form over warm ocean waters, which supply the energy for hurricanes and typhoons to grow and move, often over land. The winter storms that bring precipitation to the western U.S. originate over the North Pacific.

Oceans are hurricanes fuel source. Humid air in a warm ocean rises and reaches a low-pressure zone which makes the water in the air form clouds. Which creates hurricanes or makes them stronger.