How does the ocean floor appear differently at night?

The ocean floor appears less distinct at night due to the reduced light availability, which affects visibility. Natural light diminishes significantly after sunset, and artificial light sources may not be sufficient to illuminate the seafloor clearly. This reduced visibility can make it challenging to discern details of the underwater environment, such as the textures of the substrate, shapes of aquatic flora, and the presence of various marine life.

While the ocean floor can sometimes be illuminated in interesting ways with proper light sources, the overall perception is that it is less vibrant and easier to lose orientation when diving at night. Other options suggest different scenarios—bright and colorful appearances dependent only on good visibility, a day-like state which does not factor in diminished light during the night, and increased visibility of marine life, which might depend on specific conditions rather than being a consistent characteristic.