The researchers from the KNMI suggest the "negative feedback" effect outlined in their study is expected to continue into the future.

BBC: Melt may explain Antarctica's sea ice expansion

"Sea ice around Antarctica is increasing despite the warming global climate, " said the study's lead author Richard Bintanja, from the KNMI.

BBC: Melt may explain Antarctica's sea ice expansion

This explains the observed peak in sea ice during these seasons, a team from the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute (KNMI) in De Bilt says in its peer-reviewed paper.

BBC: Melt may explain Antarctica's sea ice expansion