comparing spatial and temporal scales

From Rob:

It would be really good if we could start delivering on the "comparing spatial and temporal scales" idea in a more specific way. Do we have datasets that support this well currently? For example, can we look at the effects of pH or temperature or salinity etc. within and between ecosystem types?

Start by reviewing the Earth Microbiome Project's currently available datasets and determine whether they support comparisons across spatial and temporal scales. Define what analyses would be possible for pH, temperature, and salinity within and between ecosystem types, and document the resulting scope.

Written by the indexing model from the issue text.