In terms of lighting, it appears that this was taken on a clear and sunny day where the sun was behind the photographer and to the right (if you are facing the direction the photograph was taken). The angle which the sun is at allows the grooves in the sand, most likely caused by wind, to cast a shadow which accentuates the prominence of the undulation of the dunes. It looks like the picture was taken with a shorter depth of field. This pulls the attention of the viewer more towards the patterned sand and away from the smooth sand stone at the top of the picture.
Great example of his command of lighting in mid afternoon sun.