[1] Blue ice runways are created as a way of streamlining transport to the interior.
Without them, most heavy materials must be brought by ship, then ferried inland by ski-equipped smaller aircraft.
Large, wheeled aircraft can fly directly into the interior, saving time and money.
The United States Antarctic Program uses them to support its substantial science activities.
Because of ice's low coefficient of friction, planes tend to decelerate with reverse thrust, as opposed to traditional means of braking the wheels, and so runways are often several miles long.