As a heavily glaciated region, the Eastern Pamir plays a crucial role in regional water supply. However, considerable ambiguity surrounds the distribution of glacier ice thickness and the details of ice volume. Accurate data at the local scale are largely insufficient. In this study, ground-penetrating radar (GPR) was applied to assess the ice thickness at Muztagh Glacier No.16 (MG16) in Muztagh Ata, Eastern Pamir, for the first time, detailing findings from four distinct profiles, bridging the gap in regional measurements. We utilized a total of five different methods based on basic shear stress, surface velocity, and mass conservation, aimed at accurately delineating the ice volume and distribution for MG16. Verification was conducted using measured data, and an aggregated model outcome provided a unified view of ice distribution. The different models showed good agreement with the measurements, but there were differences in the unmeasured areas. The composite findings indicated the maximum ice thickness of MG16 stands at 115.87 ± 4.55 m, with an ice volume calculated at 0.27 ± 0.04 km³. This result is relatively low compared to the findings of other studies, which lies in the fact that the GPR measurements somewhat constrain the model. However, the model parameters remain the primary source of uncertainty. The results from this study can be used to enhance water resource assessments for future glacier change models.

Debris cover is widespread on glaciers and strongly alters their surface albedo, energy balance, and ablation. Using the Chinese Glacier Inventory of Xinjiang 2020 (CGI-XJ2020), this study investigates the spatial distribution of debris-covered glaciers in Xinjiang. A total of 1612 debris-covered glaciers were identified, covering 10,922.06 km², with 1163.32 km² (~10.65%) mantled by debris. The estimated uncertainties are 266.27 km² (2.44%) for debris-covered glaciers and 106.04 km² (9.12%) for debris-covered portions. These glaciers are mainly distributed across the Tianshan Mountains, Pamir Plateau, Karakoram Mountains, and Kunlun Mountains, with debris concentrated near their largest glacierized centers in the first three ranges. Debris cover is primarily distributed below the median elevation of debris-covered glaciers in each mountain range and is predominantly concentrated on gentle slopes (0–15°), with a preference for north-facing aspects. Among drainage basins, the Tarim Interior Basin hosts the largest debris-covered area (1083.47 km²). Correlation analyses indicate that debris distribution is primarily controlled by glacier topography and debris-supply zone characteristics, with steep supply zones (slope > 45°) playing a key role in debris formation.