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Published online by Cambridge University Press: 19 July 2016
I consider the effect of rapid fluctuations in the mean helicity on a plane dynamo wave in the αω-approximation and in the weak forcing limit. The phase shift and the logarithmic amplitude of the wave exhibit a correlated random walk, so that weaker (stronger) cycles last longer (shorter). The solar cycle data follow this prediction rather well. Mean helicity fluctuations are concluded to be an important source of solar cycle variability.