View article

The velocity‐stress formulation for propagation of elastic seismic waves through 2D heterogeneous transversely isotropic media of arbitrary orientation is presented. The equations are recast into a finite‐difference scheme and solved numerically using fourth‐order spatial operators and a second‐order temporal operator on a staggered grid. Absorbing, free‐surface and symmetry boundary conditions have been implemented. Test cases compare well with other published solutions. Synthetic seismograms are calculated over two idealized models: (i) vertical fractures in granite with a dolerite sill reflector and (ii) a dipping anisotropic shale. Comparisons with the isotropic counterparts show significant differences which may have to be accounted for in seismic processing in the future.