In Antarctica, the picture is more complicated, with Icesat reporting significant ice growth in places.

BBC: Laser satellite records ice loss

The next satellite, ICESat-II, is scheduled to launch in 2014 at the earliest.

CNN: NASA flights will study Antarctic ice changes

Launched in 2003, ICESat can measure changes in elevation as small as 1.5cm (0.6ins) from its orbit 645km (400 miles) above the Earth.

BBC: Satellite images reveal the changes in volume of water

But officials said the flights also will serve as a partial replacement for one satellite: NASA's Ice, Cloud and Land Elevation Satellite, known as ICESat.

CNN: NASA flights will study Antarctic ice changes

"Every few extra inches of sea level have very significant economic impacts, because they change the sea level, increase flooding and storm damage, " said, Zwally, ICESat Project Scientist.

CNN: Ice melting across globe at accelerating rate, NASA says

Using elevation data from Nasa's ICESat, cross-checked with other Nasa satellites, the team was able to map the rise and fall of the overlying ice, and hence areas where water pooled or flowed away.

BBC: Satellite images reveal the changes in volume of water