Convection is the process that describes the warm ocean transferring heat to the air above it.
The thermal energy is transferred through the process of conduction when the warm ocean transfers heat to the air.
The type of energy transfer being recorded in the second sentence is radiation, as sunlight is a form of electromagnetic radiation.
According to scientists, the increase in greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, is the main factor that increases the amount of thermal energy on Earth.
Plants are affected by an increase in thermal energy on Earth as it can lead to changes in climate, such as extreme heat or drought conditions, which can impact their growth and survival.