How does Steinbeck's description of the life under the sea differ from that of life on land in The Pearl?

In The Pearl, the land is generally the realm of concrete fact and the undersea a world of possibility. On land, John Steinbeck describes many settings in detail, which gives the reader a solid sense of such things as Kino’s and Juana’s living situation. With small details, such as Kino watching the ants dig traps and fall into them, the author both gives an impression of how Kino approaches life and offers metaphors for the human condition. Outside their home as well, specific items fill out the image of their world, such as the domestic chickens contrasted to the wild doves. This type of detail is used in describing the town as they walk through it and the doctor’s much fancier house.
Under the sea, the author also provides details, but the atmosphere is different because only natural things are described. There is an aura of mystery and uncertainty, accompanied by Kino’s hopes and anxiety that are expressed through his song. While diving, Kino always hears “the Song of the Pearl That Might Be, for every shell thrown in the basket might contain a pearl.”