A 1D mathematical model, which aims at modeling the formation of calcareous deposits on the surface of cathodically polarized steel in seawater, was developed in this paper. The current model is related to mass transport phenomenon, electrochemical reactions, precipitation reactions and homogenous reactions. The model is also capable of tracking the growth interface of the calcareous deposits via the arbitrary Lagrangian-Eulerian method. The current model predicted time-dependent changes of the physical properties of calcareous deposits, including thickness, deposit porosity, coverage rate and electric resistance, and the numerical results are in good agreement with existing experiments. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.