Definition
An icy giant planet with rings is a body dominated by a fluid envelope rich in volatile components, surrounded by an orbital structure formed by dispersed solid particles. The whole constitutes a coherent system in which internal layers interact gravitationally with the external rings.
Internal structure
The internal structure contains a succession of regions where composition changes progressively. An outer zone made of gases and light fluids is followed by deeper layers characterized by dense fluid states. A central core, solid or partially fluid, serves as the organizational foundation for the entire set of envelopes.
Atmosphere and fluid envelopes
The atmosphere consists of cold layers showing circulations, zones and vortex systems. The deeper envelopes contain mixtures of volatile fluids whose gradual transitions determine the distribution of internal energy and the organization of atmospheric motions.
Orbital rings
The rings consist of various solid particles organized into fine or segmented structures. Their distribution results from dynamic balances between gravity, collisions and orbital resonances. The rings interact with the outer atmosphere and nearby magnetic regions.
Dynamics and interactions
The overall dynamics arise from rotation, internal gradients and interactions between ring particles and the gravitational field of the central body. Exchanges between fluid layers and orbital structures influence the stability and shape of the system.