Novel three-dimensional methodologies suitable for the characterization and quantification of the deformation dynamics resulting from vortical structures in stirred vessels are presented. The analytical approaches are developed in the context of the three-dimensional deformation encountered by a spherical fluid element in the vicinity of the trailing vortices around a Rushton impeller and allow the identification of the rate and type of dynamics (stretching, compression, biaxial strain, or biaxial compression) encountered by Such all element in the vortex flow field, as well as the resulting surface deformation at different parts of the vortex. The results facilitate a more in-depth understanding of the deformation processes involved in fluid mixing in a stirred vessel, and their implications for enhancement of mixing in such processes are discussed.