可将learn about看作一短语动词

有读者问这样一句话:

A lot of research work has been carried out in recent years, but much still has to be learned about the land lying under the ice.

learned about在这里应作为一个固定的短语动词去理解,还是应把about引导的短语作为一个定语修饰much?

可以将learn about看作一短语动词(参见Longman Dictionary of Phrasal Verbs )。about在此意谓“关于”,learn about在此可译作“了解”。