[5] Jordan has made significant contributions to plate tectonics concerning the structure of continents, the depth of lithospheric slab penetration, and the nature of mantle convection, for example determining the exact nature and processes involved in plate subduction.

[6] Jordan has also pioneered many seismic imaging techniques which he developed for his doctoral dissertation and are now used widely to understand the interior of the earth.

[7] Jordan has served on international committees concerning seismic hazard.

[8][9][10] In 2017, Jordan was nominated and selected to receive the Bowie Medal, one of the highest honors the American Geophysical Union awards its members.

However, AGU rescinded the medal following receipt of a formal ethics complaint and corresponding investigation.