An illustration of a beach complex showing a "collision regime" - a type of storm impact on a dune system

An illustration of a beach complex showing a "collision regime" - a type of storm impact on a dune system where total water levels (including tide, surge, and waves) exceed the dune toe area of the beach. The water and waves that reach the dune toe will impact the front of the dune. Loss of sand will reduce beach area for recreational use. Negative impacts to the beach are typically present on the order of weeks, and during that time may also diminish storm protection provided by the beach complex.