Do hurricanes affect earths surface or the ocean?

The correct answer to that question is BOTH, if the hurricane comes ashore.

Hurricanes derive their strength from the temperature of the ocean. As the heat from the water rises, the strength of the storm increases. As the storm increases in strength, it cools the surface of the ocean with wind, rain and (if conditions are right) hail.

When hurricanes move over shallow water, they churn up sediments on the ocean floor, which in turn provide a source of nutrients for a variety of marine life. When very strong, they can also destroy coral reefs, which have a negative affect on the many creatures that depend on the reefs for their survival.

Hurricanes that achieve "landfall" cause many problems for vegetation, wildlife, coastal features (due to wind and water errosion), transportation, communication, structures and humans.

The major threats from hurricanes that come ashore are:

Very strong winds (70mph to 200mph) that may damage ships, marinas, knock down power lines, buildings and trees.

Storm surges and heavy rains, that cause flooding, that can destroy; beaches, businesses, homes, crops, roads and sometimes human life.