If they melted completely the sea would rise 65m.
An Institute of Geological and Nuclear Sciences project in its early stages will study previous global climate changes by drilling to see what Antarctica was like about 35 million to 15 million years ago when the world was 3 to 4 deg C warmer.
The project, seeking clues to how much ice could melt if global temperatures continue to rise, will involve scientists from the United States, Britain, Italy and Germany.
Another project led by New Zealander Dr Tim Haskell, of Industrial Research Ltd, will involve studies on sea-ice dynamics.
Antarctic sea ice occupies 17 million sq km at its maximum extent at the end of winter in September, but only 3 million sq km at the end of summer in February.
The change is one of the largest physical seasonal events in the world and exerts a major influence on global ocean circulation and Southern Hemisphere weather patterns.
Research on the ozone hole over Antarctica will also continue.
New Zealand universities also have research programmes planned for the ice.
The University of Auckland is sending several researchers from different university schools as part of its long-term Antarctic programme. Associate professor Clive Evans said research would involve studies on fish populations in the Ross Sea area, penguin evolution and anti-freeze in fish as well as studies on aspects of Antarctic geography.
Two Auckland school teachers, Chris Smaill of Rangitoto College and Fiona Cottam of the Diocesan School for Girls, won places in the research programme after attending a university lecture series on Antarctica in February.
As well as helping researchers in the field during their stay, the teachers will establish links to their schools and others to give students a first-hand account of their experiences.
And as part of Antarctica New Zealand's programme, four Year 12 biology students from Tauranga Girls College will travel to Scott Base for 10 days to help researchers.
Saskia Booiman, Nicola Elmsly, Eryn Newman and Caroline Talbot will have to learn survival techniques and spend a night in an ice shelter they will dig themselves. They hope to visit penguins as well as the historic huts of Antarctica and the United States' McMurdo base.
nzherald.co.nz/climate
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)
United Nations Environment Program
World Meteorological Organisation
Framework Convention on Climate Change
Executive summary: Climate change impacts on NZ
IPCC Summary: Climate Change 2001
