Image processing and public folder

I searched for image files in the public folder and they are missing. I know they are cached in the resources folder, but how about the public folder?

Files may reside in resources folder but if they are not requested (through layout or markdown) through image processing they will not be pulled into public folder as I understand.

I am referring to images inside content. Not layout. Although I have seen them on the website when I uploaded the public folder. Just puzzled why I cannot locate them locally.

This folder may contain files generated by Hugo sometime ago. Just remove resources folder and run Hugo and see what files will be generated inside it.