In the present paper, the modified analytic embedded-atom method (MAEAM) many-body potentials are provided for fcc and hcp elements. The segregation energies of Mg in Al host are calculated with the MAEAM potentials. The composition depth profiles of Al-Mg alloys are obtained with Monte Carlo simulation method based on grand canonical ensemble. It is found that Mg segregates strongly to the surface layers at 600 K and the composition near the surface is monotonic to the bulk one. The simulation results are reasonable agreement with other experimental and theoretical data. (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.