Based on the Landsat MSS /TM/ETM + data,we extracted the glacier outlines and analyzed the glacier variations in the Panuhe Basin from 1976 to 2014 by using RS and GIS,combining with the meteorological data near the study area,and the mechanism about glaciers changes were also discussed at the same time. The results showed that:(1)From 1976 to 2014,the whole glacier area in the study district decreased from 621.39km~2 to 481.95 km~2,and the total loss was 139.44 km~2,the annual average retreat area and the annual average rate of retreat were 3.67km~2·a~(- 1) and 0.59%·a~(- 1) respectively. The shrinkage rate of glaciers was accelerated in recent 15 years and the annual average rate of retreat was up to 3.67km~2·a~(- 1).(2)The retreat rate was not the same among different periods,in the overall,the retreat rate of glacier during 2000 - 2014 was much larger than the period 1991 - 2000 and 1976 - 1991,and it showed a " large - small - large" pattern.(3)The glaciers in the northwest experienced the highest retreat rate,followed by the glaciers in the north,while the glaciers in the southwest were the lowest one.(4)Extensive meteorological data on glaciers have shown that the high glaciers shrinkage rate through the years in study area may mainly due to increased air temperature and slight variations on precipitation.