Runways are paved surfaces on airports designed for airplane landings and takeoffs. They can be made of materials like asphalt or grass. Runway length requirements vary based on factors like aircraft size, weight, and altitude. At sea level, 10,000 feet is adequate for any aircraft, but longer runways are needed at higher altitudes with less dense air providing less lift. Runway patterns include single runways, parallel runways, intersecting runways, and non-intersecting runways, with capacity depending on factors like wind direction, intersection location, and air traffic control method.