Concept:
When ice melts into water, its volume decreases. At atmospheric pressure, a decrease in volume means surroundings do work on the system.
Step 1: Ice has a larger volume than the same mass of water.
Step 2: During melting:
\[
\text{Ice} \rightarrow \text{Water}
\]
Step 3: Volume decreases during this process:
\[
\Delta V<0
\]
Step 4: Work done by the system is:
\[
W=P\Delta V
\]
Since \(\Delta V<0\), work done by the system is negative.
Step 5: Therefore, work done on the system by the atmosphere is positive.
\[
\boxed{\text{Positive work is done on the ice-water system by the atmosphere}}
\]