<p>Salt caverns are considered an ideal geological formation for gas storage. However, surface deformation resulting from the creep of rock salt might threaten the surface ecological and human environment. To quantitatively assess the risk, a numerical model was developed to simulate the creep and surface movement of a salt cavern gas storage (SCGS). The characteristics of surface movement and deformation above the salt cavern were systematically quantified by subsidence, inclination, curvature, horizontal movement, horizontal deformation, inflection point, and boundary point. The influence of three primary factors on the patterns of surface movement and deformation was systematically analyzed. The findings indicate that the amplitude of the distribution curves for surface movement and deformation tends to increase with a higher volume shrinkage rate (VSR), while it decreases with greater depth of cavern (DOC) and a higher elastic modulus of overlying strata (EMOOS). Locating the gas storage site in areas with higher EMOOS or deeper DOC is more beneficial for controlling surface deformation. The sensitivity of different factors affecting the maximum subsidence can be ranked in the following order: DOC, VSR, and EMOOS. Adjusting DOC to control surface subsidence is the most effective approach. The results of this study provide a theoretical foundation for ensuring the safe construction and operation of salt caverns gas storage (SCGSs), and minimizing the impact on the surface ecosystem.</p>