The phrase "account for" means to provide an explanation or reason for something, to give a clear understanding of why or how it happened. Full definition
The change over the ocean between 10 ° S and 10 ° N accounts for about half the increase in the global mean (Figure 10.5). (ipcc.ch)
The hedge fund manager has invested heavily in digital operations and a loyalty program, the latter of which accounts for about three - quarters of sales. (nreionline.com)
A more powerful science would involve strongly different ways of approaching theory, to see which accounted for more observations. (foxnews.com)