Abstract: Mining subsidence refers to a phenomena and processes of strata movement and surface movement caused by underground mining.The description method of movement and deformation is the basis of mining subsidence research.In this paper, three principal objects (strata, surface and loose layer), nine variables of movement and deformation are confirmed.The mathematical relationships and description methods of mining subsidence variables are given as three kinds of mode (basin, profile and point) and two kinds of stability state (dynamic and static).The clear expression of each variable of observation or calculation is given as in main section and in any direction of movement basin.The time-space relationships between dynamic surface movement and the advancing position and the propagation process of mining influence are expounded.A method for describing the dynamic movement of mining time and propagation time is presented.The relationship of variables of surface movement and deformation is given for observation station with linear, folding and network shape.These results provide a mathematical basis for the observation and analysis of mining subsidence and the prediction model.