Absolutely. The melting ice facilitates ground work and ocean research. Geologically speaking, by looking at the data that has been collected, it is clear that the work is much easier. With longer summers, shorter winters, and less ice and snow, we are able to see much more than what previous generations saw, and are able to deepen our knowledge of the land and the seabed.
On June 16th, 2009. See this statement in context.