The area may be an Engineered Material Arresting System. That is, an area of specially designed softness that slows an aircraft down really quickly without too

The area may be an Engineered Material Arresting System. That is, an area of specially designed softness that slows an aircraft down really quickly without too much damage. http://www.airportsinternational.com/2011/01/arresting-system-saves-aircraft-lives/4295 http://www.airportsinternational.com/2011/01/arresting-syste... It also would be an blast pad - an area of pavement that is kept clean to prevent aircraft engines blowing dust and stones around when taking off.