As recognize by the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers, any such protection measures for the coastal zone, particularly the type of coastal zone that occurs in Delaware, are temporary in nature and must of necessity be considered procedures which need to be renewed. This factor has long since been recognized by the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers and by other researchers. On the other hand, it is difficult for the public to recognize and accept this. Accordingly, there has existed considerable amounts of friction between agencies attempting to protect the shoreline position of the Delaware coastal zone and the public who 'call for the protection'. Concerned citizens often do not realize that the value of the land being protected may frequently be less than the cost of protection.
Shoreline change is most extreme during high energy storms periods.
A beach which has appeared to be static over a relatively long period of time can experience rapid change in its configuration. The following account of storm activity illustrates this point. Storm Damage Data Storms. Two types of storms can produce serious damage to the Delaware Coast. Those storms of tropical origin in which the wind velocity is greater than 74 miles per hour are considered to be hurricanes.