The analysis of the double-diffusion model and $mathbf{H}(mathrm{div})$-conforming method introduced in [Burger, Mendez, Ruiz-Baier, SINUM (2019), 57:1318--1343] is extended to the time-dependent case. In addition, the efficiency and reliability anal
ysis of residual-based {it a posteriori} error estimators for the steady, semi-discrete, and fully discrete problems is established. The resulting methods are applied to simulate the sedimentation of small particles in salinity-driven flows. The method consists of Brezzi-Douglas-Marini approximations for velocity and compatible piecewise discontinuous pressures, whereas Lagrangian elements are used for concentration and salinity distribution. Numerical tests confirm the properties of the proposed family of schemes and of the adaptive strategy guided by the {it a posteriori} error indicators.
