Abstract: Geladandong glacier complex is the source of Tuotuo River, the primary source of Yangtze River. It is located in the Tanggula Mountains, which is in the remote interior of Tibet Plateau. The processes and causes of glacier area change are crucial for the sustainable use of water resources and the functioning of the water cycle in the headwater ecosystem of Yangtze River. The random forest method was employed to carry out the interpretation of glacier remote sensing images, and topographic and climatic data were integrated to investigate the underlying drivers of glacier area change. The results are as follows. ① The random forest method is particularly suitable for the automatic interpretation of a large number of consecutive remote sensing images, after the comparative analysis of 7 most commonly used automatic computerized classification methods and the evaluation of their accuracy. ② From 1999 to 2022, the glacier area in the study area exhibited a wavy decreasing trend, with a total decrease of 64.25 km², representing a 10.22% reduction and a decreasing trend of 2.94 km²/a. ③ The glacier terminus in the study area exhibits a relatively smooth and regular morphology, with a distinct single peak and symmetrical outline. In contrast, the glacier tongue terminus displays a more irregular morphology, with a variable edge and a shape that is evidently influenced by topographic factors. ④ The change of glacier area is significantly influenced by elevation and slope direction. Among climatic factors, temperature is the primary driver of glacier change, exhibiting a negative correlation. This research could provide the scientific basis and data supporting for glacier change characteristics and sustainable use of water resources in the primary source area of Yangtze River.