Final answer:
Lava flows are responsible for less than 10% of volcanic activity on Earth, as there are various forms of volcanic processes that occur more frequently, including those at mid-ocean ridges, subduction zones, and collision zones.
Step-by-step explanation:
Lava flows, while visually impressive, are responsible for less than 10% of volcanic activity. This suggests that there are other primary forms of volcanic activity beyond the effusive eruptions that characterize locations such as the Hawaiian Islands. Major volcanic activity can include processes associated with mid-ocean ridges, subduction zones, and plate collisions, allowing us to sample materials from deeper within the Earth. Moreover, volcanism on other celestial bodies like the Moon and Jupiter's moon Io also contributes to our understanding of volcanic activity across the solar system. Io, in particular, is notable as it has over 100 recently active volcanoes, with lava flows covering approximately 25% of the moon's surface. However, when it comes to Earth, options like the quiet effusive eruptions of Kilauea are less representative of global volcanic activity than one might assume.