The major slip events on the subduction zone interface are typically of megathrust type.

Historically, great or giant megathrust earthquakes have been recorded in 1797, 1833, 1861, 2004, 2005 and 2007, most of them being associated with devastating tsunamis.

[2] There is evidence of coseismic uplift of Nias, with exposure of reefs and rock piers.

[3] Based on studies of coral growth patterns, researchers have demonstrated that the 1861 event was the culmination of a 32 year long "slow-slip" seismic event, rendering it the longest known example of such a sequence ever recorded.

[5][6] At least 500 km (310.7 mi) of coastline were affected by the tsunami with run-ups of up to 7m (23 ft) recorded on the southwest side of Nias.