But one coastal geologist said the new project was a mistake, and another said it involved an experimental erosion control method that may have unexpected results.

The disputes come as coastal geologists are reaching the conclusion that the sea will eventually have its way with barrier islands.

"Informally, I might be the biggest coastal geologist in the country, skeletally at least," one of his jokes went.

More than 100 coastal geologists and other scientists are at Duck now, working together on experiments they could not carry out alone.

"We've already been down this road," said Aram Terchunian, a coastal geologist and consultant to both the town and the homeowners.

Measuring the beach has long challenged coastal geologists.

"The Corps is still very much old guard in its thinking," said a coastal geologist who was formerly a civilian employee of the organization.

This is the process coastal geologists say has been hindered on much of the Outer Banks.

Engineers like Mr. Birkemeier and some coastal geologists are not convinced.

For the purposes of study, Hurricane Hugo was a coastal geologist's dream come true.