By Stephen Beech

Dinosaurs' extinction "re-engineered" Earth's surface, according to new research.

The reptiles had such an "immense" impact on the planet that their sudden exit led to wide-scale changes in landscapes - including the shape of rivers, say American scientists.

Geologists have long recognized the stark difference in rock formations from just before dinosaurs went extinct to just after, but put it down to sea level rise, coincidence, or other factors.

However, University of Michigan paleontologist Dr. Luke Weaver has now shown that once dinosaurs died off, forests were allowed to flourish, which in turn had a significant impact on rivers.

He says the newly dense forests stabilized sediments and corralled water into rivers with broad meanders.

Dr. Weaver and his collea

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