This paper deals with the theory and research methods of dissipative structure, and its application in igneous petrology, which involves the follow- ing aspects:(1)Layering of basic complex;(2) Orbicular structure in granite;(3) Oscillatory zoning in plagioclase; and (4) Compositional zoning in granite. The four dissipative structures and their formation mechanisms are discussed. These are formed under conditions far from equilibrium; through internal nonreverstble nonlinear processes and the unstability of nonequilib- rium steady state due to external disturbances and internal fluctuations. The oscillatory zoning in plagioclase is thought to be temporal dissipative struc- ture-limit cyole. At last, the theory of . dissipative structure is used to explain the genesis of the Erdaogou granodiorite in Liaoning Province.