Antarctic sea ice is increasing Overall sea ice cover in Antarctica is increasing but very slowy. It is about a fifth of the overall decrease in the Arctic. Scientists are now investigating the cause of the changes in sea ice in the South Pole. Dr Holland pointed out sea ice loss has no effect on the sea rise as there is no change in mass, it is just frozen water melting, like ice in a glass of water. However glacial ice, that is on land and will cause sea level rise, is decreasing in the Antarctic. "It is important to distinguish between the Antarctic Ice Sheet - glacial ice - which is losing volume, and Antarctic sea ice - frozen seawater - which is expanding, " said Dr Holland.