  We calculate the difference of the ionization energies of a core-electron of
a surface alloy, i.e., a B-atom in a A_(1-x) B_x overlayer on a
fcc-B(001)-substrate, and a core-electron of the clean fcc-B(001) surface using
density-functional-theory. We analyze the initial-state contributions and the
screening effects induced by the core hole, and study the influence of the
alloy composition for a number of noble metal-transition metal systems. Data
are presented for Cu_(1-x)Pd_x/Pd(001), Ag_(1-x) Pd_x/Pd(001), Pd_(1-x)
Cu_x/Cu(001), and Pd_(1-x) Ag_x/Ag(001), changing x from 0 to 100 %. Our
analysis clearly indicates the importance of final-state screening effects for
the interpretation of measured core-level shifts. Calculated deviations from
the initial-state trends are explained in terms of the change of inter- and
intra-atomic screening upon alloying. A possible role of alloying on the
chemical reactivity of metal surfaces is discussed.
