Arctic sea ice deformation exhibits strong seasonal variability and plays a key role in controlling sea ice dynamics and thermodynamic processes. This study investigates the seasonal characteristics of sea ice deformation using in situ buoy observations and satellite products during the winter–spring periods of 2022–2023. Results show that the mean total deformation rate is 0.089 \(\:{\text{d}\text{a}\text{y}}^{-1}\) in spring and 0.042 \(\:{\text{d}\text{a}\text{y}}^{-1}\) in autumn–winter. The spatial scaling exponent (β) is approximately 0.35 in spring and 0.25 in autumn–winter, indicating stronger small-scale deformation in spring. A declining trend in total deformation is identified at a rate of approximately 0.15 \(\:{\text{d}\text{a}\text{y}}^{-1}\) \(\:\text{p}\text{e}\text{r}\:\text{y}\text{e}\text{a}\text{r}\:\) during the observational period. Correlation analyses reveal that deformation is more strongly influenced by wind forcing in spring than in winter. A nonlinear regression model based on wind speed, air temperature, and sea ice thickness can effectively predict the observed deformation with a correlation coefficient of 0.82. These findings enhance our understanding of seasonal differences in sea ice dynamics and provide a foundation for improving sea ice modeling and forecasting. The study emphasizes the importance of sea ice deformation in modulating ocean–atmosphere energy exchange and ocean circulation under changing climate conditions.
