In cartography and geography, a curved wedge-shaped sector of the Earth's surface between two meridian (longitude) lines is known by which term?

Introduction / Context:
This question examines a specific technical term used in cartography and geography to describe an area on the globe between two lines of longitude. When mapmakers design globes, map projections or even certain types of atlases, they sometimes divide the Earth into these narrow, curved wedge-shaped strips. Knowing the correct term for this sector demonstrates deeper geographical vocabulary beyond basic latitude and longitude facts.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The sector is specifically between two meridian or longitude lines.
• Its shape is curved and wedge-like, fitting onto the spherical surface of the Earth.
• The options given include Belt, Gore, Time-block and Time box.
• We assume standard terminology from school and introductory cartography texts.

Concept / Approach:
In mapmaking, especially when creating physical globes, the surface of the Earth is divided into elongated, curved triangles or wedges called “gores.” These gores are printed on flat paper and then carefully pasted onto a spherical form. The term “gore” is standard and specific to this context. Words like “belt,” “time-block” and “time box” may sound somewhat related but are not used in professional cartography to describe this shape between two meridians.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Focus on the description: a wedge-shaped strip of the Earth between two longitude lines. Step 2: Recall that when constructing a globe, these wedge-shaped strips printed on paper are called gores. Step 3: Examine each option and match it to known cartographic terminology. Step 4: Recognize that “gore” is a precise technical term used in this context. Step 5: Select “Gore” as the correct answer.

Verification / Alternative Check:
Another way to verify is to think about how clothes or balloons are sewn using narrow, curved pieces of fabric also called gores, which is an older sewing term for wedge-shaped pieces. The same word is borrowed in cartography for similar wedge-like pieces of map that wrap around a sphere. “Belt,” in contrast, usually refers to wide zones encircling Earth (such as tropical belt or temperate belt), not narrow wedges between meridians. This comparison reinforces that “gore” is the only option that matches both the shape and the technical usage.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option a (Belt) describes broad zones such as climatic belts and is not used for narrow meridional sectors. Option c (Time-block) and option d (Time box) are not standard terms in geography or cartography for sectors between longitudes, although longitudes are indeed linked with time zones. These terms appear to be distractors that confuse the idea of time zones with the geometric shape on the sphere.

Common Pitfalls:
A common misconception is to assume that anything related to longitudes must be named after time, leading students to choose “Time-block” or “Time box.” Another pitfall is to select “Belt” simply because it sounds familiar from climatic belt terminology. To avoid this, remember that “gore” is the specialised word for a wedge-shaped piece used on curved surfaces, whether in sewing, balloons or globes.

Final Answer:
The curved wedge-shaped sector between two longitude lines is called a gore.