>>>Why would ice melting cause the sea level to rise?
Much of the Antarctic ice lies over land (Antarctica), so when the ice melts, sea levels increase.
To be correct, the example of the bowl with ice and water would require ice cubes on the rim of the bowl that are melting as well. In time, the bowl will overflow.
;-)
My example goes more to the worries over the Arctic ice melting, but your Antarctic explanation I can understand. However, Antarctica is huge, and there is no way that anyone can say exactly what is going on down there. Parts of it are melting and parts are thickening. My point is that when those who believe in true Global warming will not consider extraterrestrial reasons, ie, increased Solar activity, then I smell a political agenda and bad science. Earth has been going through such cycles forever and so have other planets in our solar system.