They arrived at an island that measured 98 feet by 197 feet and rose 10 to 13 feet above sea level. Carpeted with gravel, silt, pebbles, and rock debris, the icy island fascinated them.

"The ocean is pretty powerful," said the 80-year-old homeowner. As Freuhan spoke, she could see a bulldozer clearing up smaller debris on the beach surrounding the concrete block. "I don't see it ...